Through Him I Can Do AnythingDedicated to Nathan Prince
Released: 1/16/1993
An elementary school teacher once told Nathan's mother to avoid enrolling him in any choir classes. The reason given was lack of discernible talent or ability. But in two-and-a-half years of serving with Living Water, God developed Nathan from someone who couldn't hit a pitch to save his life into a singer who I'm proud to recommend to anyone's choir. [Tear-jerk: Nathan's mom once expressed her appreciation for what being in Living Water had meant to her son: "Before he joined choir, Nathan never sang. Now always goes around the house singing to himself!"]
I once related this bit of history in a choir letter, and added personal commentary which said: "If you ever find out who this teacher was: please, please, PLEASE do not tell me who he/she is because I am liable to go visit that teacher and do unpleasant things." Education people who discourage students in that fashion are incontrovertibly guilty of educational as well as ministerial murder! But praise God that Nathan is living proof that our Lord will always do more with someone who has a willing heart than He will with someone who has lot of talent but who doesn't care.
The accompaniment emphasizes the message of the song. The dominant technical theme is parallel thirds, including some fairly difficult runs of such. There also is a stylistic contrast in that the first part is more of less classical in orientation, while the congregational sing-along at the end switches to a Black church feel; for this reason, it seems that the classically-trained have a much harder time with the style change than they do with the parallel thirds. It's been a pleasure to watch God enabling our accompanists to learn the part!
They told me that I could not serve my Lord,
They said I had no skills to give,
But God has granted me grace, gifts, and growth,
So I will honor Him while I live.Chorus: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,
I can run, I can dance, I can sing,
I can serve my Lord through His Spirit's power,
Through Him I can do anything.Sometimes I feel I cannot serve me Lord,
It seems that my love's labor's lost,
But though rewards don't show in the world in which we walk,
I'll give me all to Him no matter what the cost.Chorus