Today, we are headed into the studio to record the Freedom Soundtrack; the 12-step album Jill Miller and I wrote together. We are so excited. But while we are tracking and singing these songs, I thought it would be fun to walk through these steps over the next few weeks; to marinate on these lyrics and let them illuminate our hearts with truth.

I remember a time in high school where I was lifting weights with my brother. He was pushing me big time. I was working on the bench press to strengthen my upper body. But on one of my final reps my arms began to shake and I couldn't get the bar back up. My muscles were depleted and my neck veins were sticking out. My brother just stood there…taunting me in a coaching sort of fashion. "You can do it," he said. "Push. I'm not lifting that bar. You're going to have to do it yourself." He paused. I pushed. But nothing. I simply did not have enough strength left to lift that set of weights on my own.

I needed help.

Finally, I told him, "Help." He did, and I didn't choke on a barbell. He came in for the save and we pushed that bar up one last time together.

I think this is what God desires of us. For us to come into agreement with Him, admit our need, and ask for help. It doesn't mean we don't have any power over anything. Obviously, in any given day we have many choices to make. But sometimes we get stuck in unhealthy patterns, thoughts, and behaviors. When we own our weaknesses or destructive tendencies, it allows us to receive and rely on His strength. His power is limitless. He's right there to spot us and give us what we need when we need it.

We can't hold onto the pride of self-sufficiency & experience God's sufficient grace at the same time.

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The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us. We can access the power of God and experience His life-changing freedom. But the first step is to admit our powerlessness in our areas of struggle. To fully surrender. Our victory is directly related to our ability to say, "God, I need you."

God never turns down a soul seeking help. Never. There's power in surrender.

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Step 1

"We admitted we were powerless over our [insert issue here] addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable."

Romans 7:18 says, "I know nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."

God helps us "carry it out." When we come to Him, surrender, and lay our lives before Him, we step into the freedom and power of Jesus Christ. There's no greater power on the planet.

Here are the lyrics to our first song, "Step 1: Powerless."

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POWERLESS

(Written by Rachel Barrentine & Jill Miller)

Verse 1

I’ve been running my own race

I’ve been relying on my own strength

Wishing I could find a little hope

My feet are achin’ from the road I’m on

My heart is breaking and my peace is gone

God, I’m at the end of my rope

Prechorus:

I’m ready, ready to let go

I know you’re steady, steady, you will hold me

When I’m empty, empty, You’re my overflow

Chorus:

You make the darkness run away

You call the dead out of the grave

A mighty fortress are You God

You are the power when I’m weak

You broke the grip of sin on me

A mighty fortress are You God

When I am powerless

Verse 2:

You give me courage to make a change

When I’m discouraged you give me grace

To keep on coming back to you, Lord

PreChorus 2:

I’m not a beggar, beggar any more

I am a treasure, treasure You’ve restored

And now forever, ever I’m completely yours

Bridge:

I’m giving in, surrendering, I’m laying down everything

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Have a great week. May we come before Him, admit our areas of weakness, and enlist His help!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - we will be shooting some footage of our time in the studio. Be sure to catch some of these candid videos on Facebook.