“but I guess my main issue all along was that because it was unclear, and “up to interpretation” to me … I just didn’t feel that it was the right fit for our corporate worship service.”

And I believe it is ultimately your right to make this call because of the position you are in. The reality is whatever we all think, you have more understanding and the authority for your congregation.

I’ve enjoyed this conversation as well.

Now that i’ve heard all the discussion, I really like the song. I did hear from a person recently who personally knows the songwriter, and they verified that the writer is ABSOLUTELY NOT suggesting that God “caused” the bad things; rather, that He was there in the midst.

Of course, that may revive the whole “first cause” argument .. but I guess my main issue all along was that because it was unclear, and “up to interpretation” to me … I just didn’t feel that it was the right fit for our corporate worship service.

That doesn’t take away from the song overall, and I’d totally be all for someone singing this as “special music” and taking 2-3 minutes to talk about the song and what it suggests – that would be sweet. I just didn’t want to perform it as a stand alone w/o any opportunity to explain it, and in the scenario I originally blogged about, that would’ve been the case due to time constraints.

So great having this discussion!
Fred

I have read most of the comments going back and forth but not all. So If I am repeating anyone, sorry.

One thing that I haven’t seen anyone mention is some major events in the bible.

Let’s look at the Israelites. God told Abraham that his descendents would go into captivity. God allowed that captivity to happen. And look at the amazing things he showed us about His love, mercy, soveriegnty, power and well to cut the list short – His character.

And what about Job. Did not God allow satan to attack every part of His family, lively hood and physical elements of Job himself? Is this not a sorrowful event. God used it though for Job’s life personally and his relationship with Christ and as an example to us.

and what about the history of martyrs. Would you say then that their death is meaningless. Their deaths, for many, spread the word of God, started revivels, etc.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that God is the root cause of all the bad crap in the world. He gave us freedom of choice, and we are born into sin. So bad things are going to happen. But the point that I truly believe that Mandisa is saying is. God is here through it all and we will use anything – especially valleys (pain, hurt, confusion, fear) to show who he is and how we need him.

He knows the world is broken. so he uses the brokeness to create beauty one person and one situation at a time.

My challenge is this. Take a moment to reflect back on your own life, and even the lives of those around you who have walked a true journey with God. When was His glory most revealed. When were you most changed, and encouraged by God?

Think about the reality of that and then meditate on the songs lyrics again.

But the song in question was to be more of a “special” and many songs have a lot of room for meaning and I think could work nicely into making a point or emphasizing a topic.

But that’s just me.

Based on what Robert just said,

“Sometimes I wish that each song-writer would write a little explanation”

I think Travis just touched on it a bit, but does it matter what they meant by it? Can we not take a song and use for how we see it?

That being said… yeah, I love knowing what authors meant, even if it sometimes meant something different to me.

Thanks for your comments .. I’m glad you found the blog, and hope you’ll stay around as a daily reader! The more I hear from people, the more I can see that hopefully that’s what the writer meant. Actually, a friend of the songwriter has contacted me and said that’s DEFINITELY what the writer meant, so it makes me enjoy the song so much more.

All along, I thought it was a beautiful song, I just didn’t necessarily think I could use it in corporate worship w/o some explanation … I didn’t want to leave that up to “interpretation”.

God bless,
Fred

Thanks so much. Your reply seems absolute and authoritative, as if you know the writer personally, and have direct knowledge of the writer’s intention … is this the case, or is this just your interpretation? I’d love to know this was straight from the writer (Ronnie?) … sure makes the song wonderful for me again!

My issue wasn’t that the writer meant one thing or another – but that it “could be” interpreted to mean it was caused – it was questionable enough, that without interpretation and explanation, I wasn’t comfortable using it.

Hope you’ll come back and respond.
Fred

Again, Ronnie was not saying God’s involvement meant He caused those things to happen….He was saying His involvement is to be with us during those times, using that situation to speak to us. It happened – He might as well use it to teach us, etc.

God’s perfect “A” will for us is just that perfect. We are not perfect. When we choose to go a different path – it’s our choice. However, the very moment that happens, God is trying to get us back on His perfect path for our lives. It may take months or even years. That’s when His “B”, and “C” wills come in. He makes a detour to get us back.

I hope this helps.

Honestly, I hope I don’t sound like I know it all on this topic – I’ve changed my way of seeing this so many times…I’ll be reading my Bible and get slapped with a verse, and I say, “here we go again – how does THIS one pick into the picture of God I have in my brain”, and sometimes it’s troubling, but more often than not the final result is that my view of God gets broadened, sometimes so much so that it feels as though I’ve just been ‘converted ‘ all over again. I love those moments!

Yes, though – very good conversation. I think I’m going to do a whole SERIES on a related subject at my other blog starting late next week, using Piper/Taylor’s SUFFERING AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD as a jumping point. Stop by and be encouraged to enter into the conversation – I’d love to hear from you.

blessings…