Emerging contemporary singer Cade Thompson is an artist to watch. His debut full-length album, Bigger Story, is filled with inspiring songs including, “Dear Future Wife,” “Source of Life,” and “Every Step of the Way.”
Cade draws from his personal experiences with God to write his music. In a press release, the artist explains, "This album was written out of my life experiences which led to this one question: How would I explain the Gospel to someone who might not have ever heard of Jesus? Each song on this album has a truth that reminds us we are all a part of a bigger story, one that is bigger than ourselves. My hope for this album is that it inspires each listener to truly walk in a relationship with Jesus and join the story."
Cade’s music is filled with confessional and biblical lyrics. His songs express the gratitude we have for God’s mercy and grace. Something that we don’t deserve. Cade’s songs also express the deep love Jesus has for us.
If you're looking for a fresh filling of Christ-focused catchy music about relying completely on God's grace, then don't miss out on this up-and-coming new artist. I had the great opportunity to interview Cade about one of his catchy songs, “Every Step of the Way.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I wrote “Every Step of the Way” in 2019. At the time, I was an 18-year-old high school graduate who wanted to move to Nashville. When I moved, I did so in faith—without a recording contract—and found an apartment.
When I was writing this song, I thought about how God’s goodness has been with me when times were hard: those moments of rejection, hurt and doubts that we can relate to. If I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s that God has been faithful every step of the way.
For so many of us, these past couple of years has looked different than we could’ve ever imagined. It seems that what was once routine has been turned upside down. As I reflect on these times, I see the goodness of God. Something that’s clear, every step of the way.
Now, I have a recording contract with Red Street Records. And God has been with me on my music journey every step of the way. I still have many questions. I still don’t understand everything that’s going on in the world. But I know I can trust God. That’s how this song came to be and why I wrote it.
What Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Proverbs 16:9(NLT): “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
Romans 8:28(VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
Proverbs 3:5-6: (NKJV): "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."
Psalm 91:2(NKJV): "I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV): “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
What is the takeaway message?
Any door I try to open myself doesn’t usually work. But when you read about how Jesus tells us to “ask, seek and knock” in Matthew’s gospel, there’s something beautiful that happens in the power of surrender. This song is about choosing to seek Him and surrender daily.
I promise you even if you can’t see it right now, God is still working in your life every single day, every step of the way. The more I read the Bible, the more I see how following Jesus is counter-cultural. Our confident hope isn’t found in anything we can do. But it can be found in Jesus.
My desire with this song is that you would find hope and be reminded that God is with you in every season and every step.
I’m excited about this record and releasing my debut project. The power of Christian music has impacted me. Growing up listening to Christian radio inspired me to write music. This is because I found something special and different about Christian music. That’s why I want to be a voice for this next generation. To bridge the gap for my peers to listen to Christian music and see that they can find hope. And hope can be found in Jesus.
Lyrics
If I could talk to Myself eight years ago Seeing what I've seen Knowing what I know I would tell that quiet kid There'll be days ahead When it doesn't make sense
I would tell him He can trust Your hand 'Cause now I gotta picture Of the Greater plan I can see with perfect clarity It wasn't a tragedy It was what I needed
I couldn't see it then But now I understand
Every step of the way You've been You'll be Working everything For the best of me So I'll trust in who You are Every step of the way You've been You'll be Fighting and writing Your love in my story You've held my heart Every step of the way
Looking back on my life again I never thought that I'd be standing in the place I'm in Took a little faith to see Gotta chase the dream That You placed in me
Never thought I would be Praying the prayers, I prayed Never thought I would be Saying the things, I say But You've been with me
Every step of the way You've been You'll be Working everything For the best of me So, I'll trust in who You are Every step of the way You've been You'll be Fighting and writing Your love in my story You've held my heart Every step of the way Every step of the way
Even in the upside-down
Even when it all Feels turned around I know You've got me Every step of the way
Every step of the way
You've been You'll be Working everything For the best of me So, I'll trust in who You are Every step of the way You've been You'll be Fighting and writing Your love in my story You've held my heart Every step of the way
Every step of the way Every step of the way Every step of the way Every step of the way
Closing Thoughts
Don't be ashamed to sing of your dependence on God. And don't be afraid to show Him reverence. What circumstances in your life are beyond your control? Can you give your desire for control over to God? Allow Him and His supernatural ability to take you to places that you can't handle on your own. Follow Jesus, and trust His Word, the Bible.
Have faith and let God work all things together for good. Spend time with Him and let Him redeem and restore you. You’re not at the end of your story. He’s still writing your story of redemption. He wants you to know that He's faithful to complete what's He's started in those who've put their hope and trust in Jesus for salvation.
Allow the words in "Every Step of the Way" to comfort you. When you listen to the song, allow the line in the lyrics of “Even in the upside-down/Even when it all feels turned around/I know You've got me every step of the way,” to bring you to a place of worship. This song gives me more conviction to not feel worthless or afraid.
Many of my favorite songs are based on the joy and themes of trusting in God from the Psalms and Proverbs. So many people struggle to apply God's Word to their lives. If we learn to build our lives on Scripture, we would all have a rock as our foundation, in how we navigate our lives.
The Good News of the Gospel, which this song portrays, is that God accepts us—no matter what we've done or what we’re going through.
With many areas in our lives, we also spend a lot of time worrying. We need to let that go and allow the Lord to be our redeemer. That is a great reason to celebrate and sing, “Every step of the way/You've been You'll be/Working everything for the best of me/So I'll trust in who You are/Every step of the way.” Amen to that.
NRT Lead Contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time fan of Christian music and an avid music collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. Currently, he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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