The hour is dark
And it's hard to see
What you are doin'
Here in the ruins
And where this will lead
Oh but I know
That down through the years
I'll look on this moment
I see your hand on it
And know you were here
And I'll testify of the battles You've won
How You were my portion when there wasn't enough
And I'll testify of the seas that we crossed
The waters You parted, the waves that I walked
Oh oh oh, my God did not fail
Oh oh oh, it's the story I'll tell
Oh oh oh, I know it is well
Oh oh oh, it's the story I'll tell
Believing gets hard when options are few
When I can't see what you're doing
I know that you're proving
You're the God who comes through
Oh but I know
That over the years
I'll look back on this moment
And see your hand on it
And know You were here
And I'll testify of the battles You've won
How You were my portion when there wasn't enough
And I'll testify of the seas that we crossed
The waters You parted, the waves that I walked
Oh oh oh, my God did not fail
Oh oh oh, it's the story I'll tell
Oh oh oh, I know it is well
Oh oh oh, it's the story I'll tell
All that is left is highest praises
So sing Hallelujah to the Rock of Ages
All that is left is highest praises
So sing Hallelujah to the Rock of Ages
All that is left is highest praises
So sing Hallelujah to the Rock of Ages
All that is left is highest praises
So sing Hallelujah to the Rock of Ages
And I'll testify of the battles You've won
How You were my portion when there wasn't enough
And I'll sing the song of the seas that we crossed
The waters You parted, the waves that I walked
Oh oh oh, my God did not fail
Oh oh oh, it's the story I'll tell
Oh oh oh, I know it is well
Oh oh oh, it's the story I'll tell
It's the story I'll tell
It's the story I'll tell
The Story I'll Tell
The Story I'll Tell Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"The Story I'll Tell" by Maverick City Music offers a profound reflection on navigating seasons of difficulty through the lens of future faith. Released with its accompanying video on June 19, 2020, the song emerged during a time of global uncertainty, resonating deeply with listeners facing their own dark hours. It opens with a vulnerable admission of present struggle, acknowledging the difficulty in seeing God's purpose amidst "ruins" and uncertain future paths. This relatable starting point immediately connects with anyone experiencing hardship, where sight fails and confusion reigns.
However, the song quickly pivots from the present darkness to a powerful future perspective. The lyrics declare a confident knowledge that, years down the line, the individual will look back on the current moment and clearly see God's undeniable involvement. This future hindsight reveals His hand guiding and sustaining, transforming the confusing present into a clear narrative of divine presence. This shift in perspective is central to the song's message, encouraging present faith by anchoring it in the certainty of future testimony.
The core of the song is the powerful declaration found in the chorus and subsequent verses: "I'll testify." This testimony is not just a general statement but lists specific acts of God: His victories in personal battles, His provision even when resources were scarce, and His miraculous intervention in impossible situations, symbolized by crossing "seas," parting "waters," and walking on "waves." These images draw heavily on biblical narratives of God's faithfulness, such as the Exodus where God won battles, provided manna in the wilderness, and parted the Red Sea, or Peter walking on water with Jesus. The assurance that "My God did not fail" echoes foundational biblical truths about God's unchanging character and covenant keeping. The declaration "I know it is well" further reinforces a deep-seated peace and trust that transcends immediate circumstances, reminiscent of Job's eventual declaration of faith or the peace described in Philippians 4:7 that guards hearts and minds.
The bridge elevates the song's theme to pure worship, recognizing that after enduring trials and witnessing God's faithfulness, the only appropriate response is the "highest praises." Calling God the "Rock of Ages" is a direct reference to a biblical name for God, signifying His eternal strength, stability, and reliability – a secure foundation in tumultuous times (Isaiah 26:4). This section serves as a powerful reminder that the journey through difficulty, marked by struggle and future-focused faith, ultimately culminates in adoration for the God who sustains and delivers.
Overall, "The Story I'll Tell" is more than just a song about getting through tough times; it's a proactive declaration of faith that frames present pain as the raw material for future praise. It encourages believers to hold onto hope not because they understand their current circumstances, but because they trust the character and proven track record of God. It inspires listeners to anticipate the day when they will look back, recount God's faithfulness, and confidently share the story of how He did not fail them, reinforcing that even in the ruins, God is present and actively working for their eventual good and His glory. This theme of retrospective faith becoming future testimony is a powerful source of encouragement for navigating the uncertainties of life.