I credit the biblical messages of Christian music crossing over to mainstream music, in particular the debut Jars of Clay album, for leading me to Christ, for which I'm eternally grateful. I was a prodigal son who thought my works and basically being a good person would eventually lead me to Heaven. I had to learn to have faith "Like a Child" and accept Jesus as my personal Savior as expressed by Him: "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it" (Mark 10:15).

Sidewalk Prophets' album Something Different includes the lead single "Prodigal," which is everyone's story in some way. We all want our inheritance and want to spend it on prodigal living. That was my story, and finding new life in Jesus has shown me that my heart belongs with God and He is running towards me. Something Different follows the success of Live Like That, which featured "Live Like That," "Help Me Find It," and "Keep Making Me."

I had the chance to speak with my friend and brother in Christ Dave Frey about the single "Impossible." which is our eleventh behind the song discussion.

Please tell me the personal story behind this song.

"The song of the underdog" is how we approached this. When Ben and I sat down to write the song, we thought about how there are so many times in our lives where we've been told that you're not worthy, you're not worth it and you're not good enough. Most of the times it is us telling ourselves those lies. It's Satan whispering to us, and us listening to the Enemy's plans. 

So many times we don't do what we've been called to do. Personally in my life, there are so many days when I don't feel good and don't want to go on stage, and I don't feel like doing something I should be doing. What I've found is that when I go and do what I should be doing, whether it is serving someone or just showing up sometimes, God introduces me to someone who I can make an impact in their life, or somebody makes an impact on my life. Our band's story is that right when you are on edge of quitting because the struggle seems too hard, if you just push a little harder and have that faith, God will do the impossible and work it out for us.

Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?

Romans 8:28 (NKJV): "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Matthew 19:26 (NIV): Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV): "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

What is the takeaway message?

God always does more in my life than I've ever dreamed possible for myself. I think a lot of times, people need to hear that they need to show up, to trust and have faith. More than anything, it's realizing how powerful our God is and that He does care each and every day, and He hasn't forgotten you. I like 2 Peter 3:9 where it says God isn't slow as we think of slowness in keeping His promises. He is longsuffering and patient with us. We want everything to happen in our time and to happen quickly. The truth is God has a plan for us, and He wants to bless you more than you think or imagine. 

There are so many times we want it to happen right now. I've been mentioning some impossible things: In 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Thirty years before, people laughed about whether that was possible. In 1952, Jonas Salk cured Polio. In 1910, that virus was unstoppable. It was crippling and devastating and it targeted children. It seemed impossible to be stopped, but it was. In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigated the globe. All those examples exhibit man doing the impossible. 

It all stems back from 33 A.D. when Jesus literally conquered death itself. God promises that in His name, all things are possible. It all started right there when Christ rose from the dead. We now all have the ability to conquer death. If we know and love Jesus and we believe in His name, we will live with Him in Paradise. We are given that authority in His name. We are inheritors of His Kingdom. Because of our guilt and shame, we don't believe it, but through Christ all things are possible.

Lyrics:
They tell me that I can't
Tell me that I won't
Tell me that I'm washed up
Tell me that I'm broke
They tell me that I don't, don't have what it takes
Tell me that I'm crazy hanging on by faith
Tell I'm a lost cause, I'm a hopeless soul
Just stand back watch my God do

The impossible, the impossible
With Him everything is possible, is possible
Breath of God You bring life from death
With Your word all of time began
It's possible, the impossible
Watch our God do the impossible

Some would say it's foolish
Stepping on the waves
Some would say it's over
When you're buried the grave
We're calling all the dreamers
With passion in their eyes
Calling all believers
Out into the light
Even when it's hopeless
Out of our control
Just let go watch our God do

When our God speaks, the mountains move
The whole earth trembles with the truth
Though this life can leave us numb
His glory's breaking like the sun
When our hope is lost
When our strength is gone
He is rising up
We will overcome

When our hope is lost
When our strength is gone
He is rising up
We will overcome
When our hope is lost
When our strength is gone
He is rising up
We will overcome

God wants to hear from you. Get to that place where you are in humble submission to God. Don't play it safe, but take a chance and ask for God to be real in your life. You'll never see true beauty if you don't fully submit to God. More than just intellectual assent, God wants to be at the center of our heart's desires. We change our minds quickly, but our hearts are more devoted. God can do immeasurably more than anything and everything one can ask or even imagine, and this song is a true celebration of the great biblical truth of "Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" from Ephesians 3:20.

"Impossible" reflects the thematic and biblical proclamations found throughout the album and found in Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need," and Psalm 89:7 (NLT): "The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround His Throne." God wants us to boldly approach the Throne of mercy and grace. The song is based on Philippians 4:13 and is an uplifting, catchy and encouraging song. The bridge is a prayer for the believer in Christ: "When our hope is lost, when our strength is gone, He is rising up, we will overcome." Amen to that!

Watch the music video below.