If we’re going to not just survive, but thrive in life’s journey, we need, from a Lord of the Rings perspective, an Aragorn out in front of us, calling out in us what we can’t see. We need a Sam, that friend at our side who carries us when we can’t take another step. And we need a Pippen, someone who really doesn’t yet believe they can do it.

Then, Perry admits, “I’d much rather come off all put together than show my scars.” But showing our scars is the only way to heal our world. Just ask the man who still has scars in his hands, feet, and side.

Next, you can’t have faith without risk. And you can’t have risk without fear. Which means that if the kingdom dream God’s put in your heart is going to become more than a dream, we’re going to have to fall into our fears.

Then, Perry was 19. His life was still dirty. Messy. But he longed to be more than who he was. That’s when Jesus said, “Follow me, I believe in you. I will make you into the man you long to be.”

Last, if you’re going through deep waters right now, and life is so hard, God is at work in you. Writing a song, giving you a message to share after you come out the other side. And when you do share it, “Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”