faith unfaded

I Can Only Imagine 2 hit theaters last week, and while the powerful movie serves as a follow-up to lead singer Bart Millard’s story, it is also the story behind MercyMe’s hit Even If. 

Co-written by Millard and Tim Timmons — whose inspiring story is also featured in the film — it is a song of believing the Lord can do anything, yet remaining faithful even if He doesn’t. 

The song is easy to listen to — when all is going well. It becomes much more profound when it isn’t. After all, that’s the very crux of its message. 

When you are standing in the fire, God’s hand is capable of saving you just as He did with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But what if He doesn’t? Will you praise Him anyway?

🎶 It’s easy to sing

When there’s nothing to bring me down

But what will I say

When I’m held to the flame

Like I am right now

It is a question I had to dig deep to answer last week. It was becoming an incredibly difficult season. I was battling a health crisis that has yet to come under control. My children were facing epic battles that I can no longer fix as their mom. And my father and I were starting to fight. 

Most know my father as my very best friend, the anchor in my storms. When our relationship took a hit, my mental well-being felt like it might collapse.

Had I not already been underwater physically, I may have laughed it off as a headstrong menopausal woman dealing with a father up for Walter Matthau’s role in the live version of Grumpy Old Men. But humor goes out the window when the nervous system is already on edge. 

I clung to the hem of Jesus’ robe when I could not grasp anything else. 

🎶 They say it only takes a little faith

To move a mountain

Well good thing

A little faith is all I have, right now

Both Bart Millard and Tim Timmons were facing their own struggles. Bart withdrew, Tim marched forward. I was a mixture of both. Advance, retreat. Advance, retreat. 

But I’d made a decision. No matter how things turned out, I was going to serve God faithfully. 

🎶 I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt

Would all go away if You’d just say the word

But even if You don’t

My hope is You alone

Of course, I recognized the enemy in it all. Broken relationships I’d prayed over diligently had been mended. Opportunities were continuing to arise. I was witnessing faithfully everywhere I went — and I was all over the country. Satan wanted me down and he had fresh angles this time. 

But my God could make it all go away with just one word.

🎶 I know You’re able and I know You can

Save through the fire with Your mighty hand

But even if You don’t

My hope is You alone

Bart and Tim didn’t just write a song. They lived it. They believed it. The movie portrays that journey. It is both inspirational and aspirational.

Because even if He doesn’t save me from this fire, I know He’s with me in it. 

https://youtu.be/Few38Hp8EfY?si=YtqE-1OhOmwdyjov