Friday, September 21, 2012

Live Like That

Lately I've been trying to listen to more music and less talk radio, which is a challenge for me.  But as I've left the dial on Sirius 63 (The Message) it's been a good change.  The music helps me stay at peace and talk with God in the car.  And there are a handful of new songs by Toby Mac, the Newsboys and others that I love to crank.  For the songs I like, I lip sync to the chorus or even sing along but that's as far as it goes.  I rarely memorize the rest of the song.  I'm a chorus guy.  You know the one.  The person that sings along with a popular song when the chorus comes on and then quietly mumbles gibberish when the song shifts back to the main lyrics.  Don't worry, I'm pretty comfortable as the guy you roll your eyes at.

A chorus that has really captured my heart is from the band, The Sidewalk Prophets.  Their song, "I Want to Live Like That" has really struck a chord.  The main chorus is this: "I want to live like that, and give it all I have, so that everything I say and do points to you."  There is a great music video of it on youtube to check out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfosSggwQS0

The song is definitely about making a difference in the life we have.  Something I am determined to do - all for the glory of God.  But the phrase "Live Like That," took me back to James 5 where it talks about prayer and faith.  In verse 17 it reminds us that the prophet Elijah prayed for no rain, and no rain fell for 3 and a half years.  Then, when the time came, he prayed for rain, and it fell.  The best part?  James reminds us that "Elijah was human as we are."

Often times we read scripture about spiritual giants like Elijah and think, "well that can't happen to me."  Or "that was David who went on to be King, I'm not going to have those opportunities."  What a giant mistake to think that way.  The reality is, scripture is here to instruct us, guid us and inspire us!  You can pray like Elijah prayed - with great faith.  You can have the heart of Mary Magdalene and the passion of Paul.  They were humans and children of God just like you and me.  The only reason you won't or can't experience the intimacy with God and influence that they did is because we fail to believe like they did and love God like they did.

But because of His grace and love for us, more opportunities are waiting for us.  Opportunities to pray impossible prayers and dream big dreams to make a difference through Christ.  So when the chorus "Live Like That" begins to echo in my car, I believe it.  And I'm ready to experience it.  Are you?