Colton Dixon's seventh-place finish on Season 11 of American Idol was one of the most surprising and memorable Idol cuts of all time. But, it was only the beginning for the artist. Dixon released his debut full-length album, A Messenger, featuring the hit songs "You Are" and "Never Gone." That album takes its title from the bible passage John 13:16: "Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."
Colton returned with a new set of songs on his sophomore album, Anchor, including the singles "Through All Of It" and "More of You." After his string of hit singles, which includes “All That Matters” and “The Other Side,” Colton has returned with a new self-titled EP. I had the chance to speak with Colton about his new hit single, “Miracles.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
This is a fun season for us. We are so excited about becoming first-time parents. It’s been about three years since I have released new music. My old record deal ended. Things were up in the air for me, and it seemed like I was in turmoil. It wasn't looking very hopeful.
My wife said something that kind of shifted things for us. She said, "I know this looks like a setback, but what if it's actually a setup for what is ahead for you and what God has for you?" We stood on that and applied our faith on that.
We started to see a miracle unfold. And, even though we didn’t know what it would look like we waited in faith to see what would happen. Then, I got signed by Atlantic Records. That exceeded our expectations.
During that season, I was forced to slow down. I started to be grateful for little things. And, regardless of what life looked like, we knew God was in control. That’s my personal connection and the story behind this song. This is the first song that I wrote with my new label.
For "Miracles," the opening lyric, “90 miles on the highway/Every day moving so fast.” is an allegory to life. I was on autopilot for a long time, going faster than I ever realized. When God does intervene, it’s always better. When I lost my record deal, it seemed like a setback, and we saw God’s better plan.
This song has meaning and depth, and it just feels fun musically. Some things are more than coincidence. I believe there is a God who loves you and looking out for you. I'm pointing out to others that there's more to life than meets the eye. I believe miracles happen all around us.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Philippians 4:13(NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Matthew 17:20-21(NIV): He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13(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. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
2 Corinthians 10:2-5 (NIV): I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world; we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Romans 8:28(VOICE): We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.
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."
What is the takeaway message?
The bible story of Saul turning into Paul is a cool parallel to what’s happened for me. If we would just stop long enough to see the little things in life for the miracles that they really are, I think we'd not only be more thankful and grateful to be alive, but I think we can live happier lives as well.
I'd like to encourage you to slow down a bit, so you can see and appreciate the miracles for what they are. We think of miracles as these huge supernatural things. I think that’s one definition. But, I also think that it can be in the little things as well.
There are several themes on my new EP, but it all goes back to hope. My goal is to spread hope. I see a lot of people looking for hope. And, I'd love to come alongside them and show support. I've learned so much about love. Love isn't always a feeling. Love is a commitment. Love sometimes means sacrifice. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to write about some of these things on the project.
Lyrics
90 miles on the highway Every day moving so fast Taking all the wrong ways out Never saw You coming Stopping me in my tracks Keeping me from the long way down
Doesn't matter just How many times I try There could only be A single reason why So tell me
How do miracles just happen like that Happen like that Happen like that You can say the stars aligned but I know that it's more than timing
How do miracles just happen like that Happen like that Happen like that Right before I hit the ground some How You came along and found me Right before I hit the ground some
How You came along and found me
Some will say it's magic But I know that You did all that You're the reason there's no doubt
Doesn't matter just How many times I try There could only be A single reason why So tell me
How do miracles just happen like that Happen like that Happen like that
You can say the stars aligned but I know that it's more than timing
How do miracles just happen like that Happen like that Happen like that Right before I hit the ground some How You came along and found me Right before I hit the ground some
HowYou came along and found me
There's no doubt when I feel Your love Call me crazy and out of touch But I know that it's from Above Tell me
How do miracles just happen like that Happen like that Happen like that You can say the stars aligned but I know that it's more than timing
How do miracles just happen like that Happen like that Happen like that
Right before I hit the ground some
How you came along and found me
You can say the stars align but I know that it's more than timing Right before I hit the ground some
HowYou came along and found me
Closing Thoughts
Jesus is the Good News and the miracle that can hold us together when we have struggles. It seems harder than ever with so many distractions and temptations around us. This song is an offering and submission to God’s supernatural ability to keep together what would otherwise fall apart.
“Miracles” is a very convicting and sobering reminder that God brings trials to remind us how much we need Him. This song has many glimpses of the authentic reality of life and our experiences--good and bad. Life doesn't always go as we want or even how we pray.
This song represents the victory that we have over our battles before we even know the earthly outcome. Winning life's battles is done by trusting the God that goes before us. Know that Jesus loves you and has something better planned for you if you trust Him as your Savior.
The beauty of walking by faith, and not by sight is that we can trust God. As the song says, “Right before I hit the ground some/How You came along and found me.” As followers of Jesus, we know that we can trust God's Word. We're all a work in progress. So, have faith and let God work all things together for good. Spend time with God and let Him redeem and restore you.
We're not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption. God wants you to know that He's faithful to complete what He's started in those who put their hope and trust in Jesus for our salvation. God is bigger than any calamity that we experience in this world. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
"Miracles" is an upbeat tune that reminds you of how much God loves you. He is still with you. The song's release is timely--especially since we all face this coronavirus pandemic together. Colton Dixon’s music ministry is about loving God, expressed in one catchy song after another.
This song is all for God's glory. When you are in communion with God, it is joyful, not a burden. We are all united in our struggles and spiritual warfare, and in our desire for truth and relationship. The Lord wants you to spend time with Him every day. God loves you so much. Lean on Him and He'll give you strength.
"Miracles" is a great reminder to spend time reading His word, The Holy Bible. And, to have a relationship with Him in prayer. Believe and sing along, “You can say the stars aligned but/I know that it's more than timing/How do miracles just happen like that.” Amen to that.
NRT Lead Contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan of Christian music, an avid music collector and credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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