The story behind 'Nothing Can Stop You From Saving' starts with my Auntie Gill. If you haven’t met her, you’d like her. She is quite small, certifiably mental and an excellent cook. And one of my worship leading inspirations. 

Actually, if I’m being entirely accurate, it actually starts with King David’s best friend Jonathan, and his armour bearer. In 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan says to his armour bearer ‘nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few’. 

My Auntie pointed out this verse to me many years ago and I loved it. I felt there was such power in that statement. I used it in a few worship times as a spontaneous moment (admittedly, changing the wording slightly). And I wrote some verses to it, based on Psalm 121. 

But nothing really came of it – for some reason it was one of those songs that stayed in the ‘not quite finished’ pile. I showed it to a couple of friends and they liked it but felt like the chorus didn’t quite match the verses.

So, naturally I resolved to write some new verses. And inspiration hit when I read Isaiah 59:1 ‘Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.’ This eventually became the bridge of the song. But in that moment, it sparked a thought off – this twin idea that God is both strong enough to save. But he is also kind enough to save. 

If he was simply kind but lacked power, he could not save us. If he was strong but not loving, he might not bother to save us. The key with our God is this beautiful paradox that I’ve mentioned before. He is BOTH AND He is mighty and merciful. This is the great mystery of the universe.

So I went about shaping my verses around this apparent dichotomy. Finding examples of his kindness and his strength. And trying to find new images to wrap around these ancient ideas – ‘your fingers held back every wave’. All leading up to the ultimate act of saving – Jesus’ death and resurrection. 

Then the pre-chorus ties it together nicely using Romans 10:13 – ‘for everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved’. 

After that we sprinkle it with a bit of The 1975, maybe a dash of Shut Up and Dance With Me. And hopefully, you will find an upbeat anthem that churches everywhere will be able to sing and declare that ‘Nothing Can Stop You From Saving’.

 

Mikey Powell

Singer/Songwriter & Musician