Rev. James Cleveland - In God's Own Time Lyrics
Released: 23 Sep 1980
Lyrics
Chorus:
If I can hold out, If I can keep the faith,
In God's own time, my change will come, it will come.
Chorus2:
If I can do my best, If I can pass the test,
In God's own time, my change will come.
Solo:
1.These old heavy burdens cannot last, no, no,
These old troubles and trials soon will be past, (I know they will - Till then, if I can just)
Chorus
Solo: (Spoken - One more thing )
2.Sometimes burdens and afflictions press my soul, oh yes, they do,
But that only makes me more determined to reach my goal,
Can I get a witness! Hey! If I can
Chorus
Bridge (2x):
Hold out, just a little while longer, These heavy burdens, they will soon pass over
Run the race, keep the faith, My change will come, my change will come.
Solo (w/Choir Ooohs):
If I can just hold out, If I can keep the faith, I don't have to be jealous of nobody,
My change will come. (Can I get a witness here!) (Oh, yes it will, listen here)
If I can stand my test, My God will do the rest,
And I don't have to worry about nobody,
My change will come. (Can I get a witness here!) And all I got to do is -
Bridge - Chorus
Video
Rev.James Cleveland -In Gods Own Time
Meaning & Inspiration
On September 23, 1980, Rev. James Cleveland, an undisputed architect of modern gospel music, unveiled "In God's Own Time" as part of his seminal *Sings With the World's Greatest Choirs 20th Anniversary Album*. This song transcends mere musical performance; it stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and steadfast endurance, a spiritual beacon for anyone navigating life’s inevitable challenges. At its core, "In God's Own Time" articulates a timeless theological truth: that divine intervention and personal transformation operate on a celestial clock, not a human one. It’s a powerful testament to the belief that perseverance in faith will ultimately yield breakthrough, affirming that every burden and trial, however heavy or prolonged, serves a purpose in God's grand design.
The message embedded within "In God's Own Time" is one of profound encouragement, urging individuals to maintain their spiritual footing even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The repeated declaration, "If I can hold out, If I can keep the faith, In God's own time, my change will come," echoes the biblical call to patient endurance. This sentiment finds deep resonance in Scripture, such as Hebrews 10:36, which reminds us, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." It's not just about passively waiting, but actively "keeping the faith" and "passing the test," suggesting a deliberate engagement with spiritual disciplines even amidst adversity. James 1:2-4 further elucidates this by inviting us to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Cleveland’s simple yet potent words serve as a living commentary on these scriptural truths, translating ancient wisdom into an accessible, uplifting anthem for contemporary struggles.
The song delves into the transient nature of hardship, with lines like, "These old heavy burdens cannot last... These old troubles and trials soon will be past." This mirrors the hopeful assurances found in passages like 2 Corinthians 4:17, which describes "light and momentary troubles" achieving "an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." Even when afflictions press the soul, as the song acknowledges, it pivots to a position of strength, proclaiming that such pressure "only makes me more determined to reach my goal." This transformation of adversity into resolve is a cornerstone of Christian resilience, perfectly aligning with Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." It’s an active, hopeful response to suffering, where faith refines character and strengthens resolve rather than allowing despair to take root.
Cleveland's "Bridge" section amplifies the call to action: "Hold out, just a little while longer... Run the race, keep the faith, My change will come." This imagery directly evokes the Apostle Paul's exhortations to run the Christian race with perseverance, as seen in Hebrews 12:1 and 1 Timothy 6:12. The song reminds us that the journey of faith is not a sprint, but a marathon, demanding sustained effort and an unwavering gaze on the finish line promised by God. Perhaps one of the most liberating aspects of the song arrives in its later verses, where the artist declares, "I don't have to be jealous of nobody, My change will come," and "I don't have to worry about nobody." This powerful statement frees the believer from the trap of comparison and envy, anchoring their hope solely in God’s personal timing and provision. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages a similar release from anxiety, advising us to "not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." "In God's Own Time" serves as a musical affirmation that seeking God's kingdom first, as Matthew 6:33 instructs, eliminates the need for fretful concern over individual circumstances, as all "these things will be given to you as well." Through its direct language and profound scriptural echoes, Rev. James Cleveland’s "In God’s Own Time" offers not just a song, but a spiritual roadmap for living with enduring faith and expectant hope, ultimately inspiring all who hear it to trust in the perfect timing of a sovereign God.