I will rise

You may have heard this song called I Will Rise from Chris Tomlin’s newest album. Man oh man does this song just sink into my soul further and further each time I hear it. Not only does it make me think about the moment that Jesus will “call my name” but it makes me think about the peace I that I just pray our teens would come to know. That they can just live in that peace of knowing that victory is won and let that be the anchor of their soul through the hard times. I feel like in my very short time as a Youth Pastor’s wife that I’ve seen it all (well almost, and I don’t care to see any more). Death of several parents, divorce, death of a leader, abuse, addiction, unrealistic expectations from parents, death of more than one baby, rape, self-mutilation, death of a best friend and more. Their lives are so much more than we can imagine at their age. The battles they are facing are more than just who is going to win the game on Friday night. They are Spiritual battles.
I guess I’ve really been thinking about this today because this month we are coming up on the would-be-1st-birthday of a little boy (nephew of a student) who died suddenly. The same birthday as my daughter. And the same age. As well as the anniversary of the death of a great leader in Dan’s ministry and devoted husband and father of 4. So I’ve just been pondering having to deal with a loss of that magnitude at that age.
Please join me in prayer for all of our teens who face larger than life battles every day of their young lives. That they can feel the peace that only Jesus can provide- and the hope. And I challenge you to do what you can to touch the life of a teen you may know. You may think they’re crazy or that they just don’t care, but they may be dealing with a lot more than you could ever know.

“I Will Rise”

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise