This week we just released the first of four segments of my documentary, “Nothing To Say,” that we have released on Tangle.com. For those of you who are following along with the documentary, I thought I’d write a weekly blog to give you a greater insight into what I was experiencing during that particular time in my life, what God was teaching me through my trial, and maybe encourage you to see Him at work in your life right now as well.
Some of you may have already seen bits and pieces of the film, or maybe you’ve seen the music video for “The Motions,” that also has footage from the film. Either way here’s the short version of what the film is about. When I found out I was going to have surgery on my vocal chords, I was devastated. Being a singer, that’s the last news you ever want to receive. The thought crossed my mind, maybe I’ve sung my last song. In the days before my surgery, I was battling several different emotions, and trying to hand all of my worry and fear over to God was proving to be a great challenge. But as I began to write in my journal, I felt like God was telling me that He was still going to use my voice, even in silence. And this is where the idea came from to turn on a camera and film this season of silence.
Little by little, my heart began to wrap its arms around the notion that God was at work in this, and He was going to use this difficult time in my life to encourage somebody else during theirs. You see the footage of my checking in for surgery, and my parents and family all came into town to be there for support. My father prayed for me before surgery and we quoted Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
It’s like this, sometimes the worst case scenario becomes reality. Sometimes, you really do have to have surgery. Sometimes, your loved one really does die. Sometimes, your child really does fall into drug addiction and leaves home. Sometimes, your parents really do divorce. And when you find your life staring a worst case scenario in the eye, you find comfort in words like “I can do all things through Christ.” You remember that his strength is greater than your strength, but only when your own strength is gone can you realize that.
When your strength is gone, read Phil 4:12-13, and remember where true strength comes from.
-mw
It is amazing to me how God can use a single person to speak to so many people. Every person has something to say. God can use any of us. Thank you so much for choosing to use what you have to glorify God and set an example to others. Your love for God is so evident in your lyrics, and your website. I am always dissapointed when I decide to check out a so called "Christian" artists website and find no sign of their Christianity. A website is a perfect opportunity to show people what you believe and why you believe it.
Praying for you, your wife, and your 2 precious little girls...
God bless,
Mikaela from Indiana http://hischild-thelifeofme.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Mikaela | May 03, 2009 at 04:44 PM
So true. About a year and a half ago, I was faced with a worst case scenario. I recieved a phone call saying my mom had passed away in her sleep at home in her own home. no goodbyes, no illness. I told God there is no way, I can't live as a 23 yr old w/2 children and no mom/gma. God reminded me of that verse Phil. 4:13. that yes you can do it with my help. Thank you for sharing this because I too know that YOU CAN do all things through Christ.
Posted by: Whitnee Hogg | May 03, 2009 at 08:05 PM
My wife and I are missionaries to Malawi, Africa and to India. We took God seriously and sold our house and everything else. We went on the mission field full time and now have a nursery school in Madyelo Village as well as several branches of Revival Miracle Ministries. We built a church/community center there and hope to have a secondary free school, a clinic and other small business ventures to assist the people there to have jobs and hope for the future. We have seen many terrific miracles and wonders. We got out of the four walls, messed up our comfort zone and are walking with God. now we are truly living. We are in Tucson, AZ to work and make money for our return to Malawi. Our email address is gary_tope@yahoo.com. Would love to hear from you and we will keep you in prayer. Ambuye Akidalitseni. (may the Lord be with you), gary and Lolly Tope
Posted by: Gary and Lolly Tope | May 04, 2009 at 08:09 AM
So glad I found your blog.
Posted by: Jim | May 04, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I am scheduled for the same surgery on July 6th. I am a worship leader, bible college teacher, conference speaker and bible study leader. Please pray for me that the outcome would be for His glory.
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen Schaffer | May 04, 2009 at 11:59 PM
I never get tired of hearing (or reading) what God did with and through your time of silence. It keeps reminding me that God has something in store for me that will bring Him all glory, honor, and praise.
Posted by: Jennifer Eckert | May 05, 2009 at 05:05 AM
Matthew...are you on facebook? Come share brother.
Posted by: Randy Miller | May 06, 2009 at 08:33 AM