Contemporary Christian Music Artist Hit Rock Bottom Before He Fully Submitted To Jesus As Lord & Savior

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

While the underlying theme in 'Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, & Finding My Way Home' may be overly familiar, to co-author Zach Williams it reflects his personal journey. For the 46 year old Grammy and GMA Dove Award winning Christian music artist 'Rescue Story' chronicles his life before and after he made the decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Blessed with a six foot six inch frame in high school Williams became a standout basketball player in small town Arkansas. Even though he had ties to a local church and his parents were Christian, like many young teens Williams fell prey to alcohol and drug abuse, as well as malicious behavior. That lifestyle cost him major scholarships and his dream of playing in the NBA.

Continuing his athletic pursuits in junior college, a pre-season injury sidelined his first season allowing Williams to spiral further out of control. With visions of playing professional basketball thwarted and extra down time on his hands Williams was drawn to the guitar, eventually giving up sports for rock n' roll, which only fueled his inner demons.

As the age old joke begins 'a guy walks into a bar' (chapter 4 aka Betrayal, Blunts, & Blues), when Williams met the guys in the band he would eventually front for three years, his downward spiral moved to fast forward. Despite becoming a family man, elevated drug and alcohol abuse, combined with newfound health issues, financial insecurity, constant lying, and drunken misconduct were threatening to bring wedded bliss to an end.

With his marriage on the rocks and four kids to support, Williams finally took stock of his life, realizing God's promise in Jeremiah 29: 11-13. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Similar to the story in the 'sower and the seed', like many young boys and girls growing up in church, Williams initial conversion experience didn't take, simply because he didn't fully submit to Jesus. Attending a new church with his wife, as well as being convicted by the Holy Spirit, at 33 years of age Williams accepted Christ as his savior, finally discovering what his life could be like when 'God writes the story'.

While 'Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, & Finding My Way Home' co-written by Robert Noland is raw and heart wrenching, the main message is truly inspirational. Although Zach Williams' journey may be different than most, he found out all to often, you don't reach out or reach up for Jesus until you hit rock bottom.

Early next year including the spring Williams will be out on tour with Mercy Me. For more on Williams, his book, his music, and his 2025 tour visit https://www.zachwilliamsmusic.com/