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Blog Post Sermon: “Embracing the Struggle: A Journey Through Freedom, Faith, and Growth”

The song “I Don’t Want to Fade” speaks powerfully to the human experience—the tension between struggle and strength, between falling and rising, between fear and fearlessness. Through its vivid imagery and raw emotion, the song touches on the desire to live boldly, to transcend challenges, and to find guidance through the darkest and most uncertain times.

At its heart, the song reflects Christian Libertarian values: the deep belief in personal responsibility, freedom, and the constant striving for truth and meaning. It also aligns with modern human perspectives that acknowledge the complexity of life—where we must navigate inner conflicts, external pressures, and the yearning for peace and purpose.

Let’s explore the key themes of this song through the lens of Christian faith, human resilience, and the guidance of Scripture, with a focus on how we can live freely, responsibly, and purposefully, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Struggle and Strength: The Reality of Being Human

“I don’t want to hide
I’m wild, I’m free
I’m blazing hot
Just like the sun.”

From the outset, the song captures the essence of human struggle—the desire to live boldly, without fear, but also the reality of brokenness and vulnerability. We all experience moments of wildness, freedom, and strength, but we also encounter times when we feel broken, lost, and in need of healing. This is the paradox of human existence: we are both strong and weak, fearless and afraid, broken and whole.

This tension is beautifully expressed in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” In our weakness, God’s strength is revealed. The song’s acknowledgment of both brokenness and strength reminds us that we don’t have to have it all together; instead, we can rely on God’s grace to guide us through the most difficult moments.

Christian Libertarian thought emphasizes personal freedom, but also the responsibility to navigate life’s struggles with integrity and reliance on God’s guidance. We are free to pursue our dreams and aspirations, but we must also recognize that true strength comes from God, not from our own efforts.

Guidance and Growth: The Role of the Holy Spirit

“And with these hopes
Protect the dream
Lift me through the beam
And guide me
Past the scars.”

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of seeking guidance—asking for divine help to be lifted out of the darkness, past the scars, through the storms, and into the light. This reflects the deep human need for direction, particularly when life feels overwhelming and chaotic.

John 14:26 tells us, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit is our guide, our source of wisdom, and our comforter in times of struggle. The song’s plea for guidance reflects the Christian belief that we are never truly alone in our challenges; God is with us, guiding us through His Spirit.

In the context of Christian Libertarianism, the freedom to seek guidance from God is a cornerstone of personal responsibility. We are free to chart our own course, but we are also encouraged to seek God’s wisdom and direction in every aspect of our lives. This is where true freedom lies—not in doing whatever we please, but in aligning our lives with God’s will and trusting in His guidance.

Fearlessness and Recklessness: Embracing the Journey

“I am fearless
I am reckless
I transcend.”

The song celebrates a kind of boldness and fearlessness that comes from stepping into the unknown, embracing the journey, and facing challenges head-on. It’s about transcending fear and doubt, even when the path ahead is unclear. However, this fearlessness is not without its risks—recklessness, restlessness, and uncertainty are also present.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Fearlessness and boldness are essential qualities in the Christian life, but they must be grounded in trust in God. Without this trust, recklessness can lead to chaos and harm. The song encourages us to embrace fearlessness, but it also reminds us of the importance of relying on God’s guidance to ensure that our boldness is aligned with His purpose.

In modern life, we are often told to “be bold” and “take risks,” but this can sometimes lead to a sense of recklessness, where we prioritize success or ambition over wisdom and discernment. The song’s message challenges us to balance boldness with humility, fearlessness with faith, and ambition with wisdom.

Endurance Through Struggle: Finding Strength in Weakness

“I don’t know if I’ll make it through
I am weary
I am steady
I pursue.”

This verse captures the reality of human endurance—the feeling of weariness and the struggle to keep moving forward, even when the outcome is uncertain. Life is full of challenges, and the journey is often long and difficult. Yet, the song emphasizes the importance of persistence and steadiness in the face of adversity.

Isaiah 40:31 offers encouragement for these moments: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Even in our moments of greatest exhaustion, God promises to renew our strength if we place our hope in Him.

Christian Libertarianism emphasizes personal responsibility in the face of struggle. We are called to endure, to persevere, and to trust in God’s strength to carry us through. The song’s message of persistence reflects this principle, reminding us that even when we are weary, we can continue to pursue our purpose and our calling with faith in God’s provision.

Transcendence and Release: Letting Go of Fear

“I am soaring
I am falling
I don’t shy.”

The final sections of the song capture the idea of soaring and falling—experiencing both the highs and lows of life without shying away from either. It’s a powerful message about embracing the full spectrum of human experience, recognizing that both joy and pain are part of the journey.

Philippians 4:12-13 speaks to this balance: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” True freedom comes from accepting both the soaring moments and the falling moments, knowing that God’s strength sustains us in all circumstances.

This reflects the modern human perspective of embracing life’s uncertainties and learning to let go of the need for control. The song encourages us to face both success and failure with courage, trusting that each experience is part of a larger journey toward growth and understanding.

Conclusion: Embracing the Fullness of Life Through Faith

“I Don’t Want to Fade” is a song that speaks to the human experience of struggle, strength, and the constant pursuit of purpose and meaning. Through its powerful imagery, it reflects the Christian Libertarian values of personal responsibility, freedom, and reliance on God’s guidance. It challenges us to embrace the journey of life—both the highs and the lows—while trusting in God’s strength to carry us through.

As we reflect on this song, let us remember the words of Romans 8:37-39: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Nothing can separate us from God’s love, and in that love, we find the strength to endure, the courage to be bold, and the guidance to live freely and fully.

Amen.

I don’t want to hide
I’m wild, I’m free
I’m blazing hot
Just like the sun
And if we bend
We mend if right
If wrong, in flight
It’s here we always soar
And I don’t know if I touch the stars
I am broken
I am healing
I’ve come far
And with these hopes
Protect the dream
Lift me through the beam
And guide me
Past the scars
Because I am drifting
So far

I don’t want to fade
I’m bold, I’m fierce
I’m glowing bright
Just like the dawn
And if we turn
We learn if right
If wrong, in sight
It’s here we always rise
And I don’t know if I see the end
I am fearless
I am reckless
I transcend
And with these cries
Protect the spark
Lift me from the dark
And guide me
Through the haze
Because I am burning
In blaze

I don’t want to fall
I’m strong, I’m tall
I’m holding firm
Just like a tree
And if we break
We shake if right
If wrong, in plight
It’s here we always stand
And I don’t know if I’ll make it through
I am weary
I am steady
I pursue
And with these tears
Protect the ground
Lift me without sound
And guide me
Through the storm
Because I am aching
So torn

I don’t want to lose
I’m fast, I’m sharp
I’m cutting clean
Just like a blade
And if we clash
We thrash if right
If wrong, in flash
It’s here we always win
And I don’t know if I find the truth
I am restless
I am daring
I’m uncouth
And with these thoughts
Protect the mind
Lift me as I find
And guide me
Through the lies
Because I am spinning
In ties

I don’t want to sink
I’m high, I’m swift
I’m flying clear
Just like a bird
And if we drift
We shift if right
If wrong, in gift
It’s here we always glide
And I don’t know if I touch the sky
I am soaring
I am falling
I don’t shy
And with these wings
Protect the air
Lift me as I dare
And guide me
Through the winds
Because I am floating
In spins

I don’t want to freeze
I’m warm, I’m light
I’m spreading wide
Just like the wind
And if we pause
We cause if right
If wrong, in laws
It’s here we always flow
And I don’t know if I find the peace
I am seeking
I am speaking
In release
And with these breaths
Protect the calm
Lift me with the psalm
And guide me
Through the cold
Because I am shivering
So bold

I don’t want to fade
I’m bright, I’m clear
I’m shining true
Just like a star
And if we fade
We shade if right
If wrong, in grade
It’s here we always gleam
And I don’t know if I see the end
I am striving
I am thriving
In the blend
And with these dreams
Protect the glow
Lift me as I grow
And guide me
Through the dark
Because I am glowing
With spark

I don’t want to run
Im fun, I’m strong
I’m burning bright
Just like a fire
And if we twist
We fight if right
If wrong in song
Its here we always burn
And I dont know if I reach the moon
I am lucky
I am crazy
Im a loon
And with these words
Protect the light
Lift me up in sight
and guide me
Through the night
Because I an wasted
So gone