As Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist Zach Williams performs concerts around the country, he realizes the importance of sharing his testimony of God’s redemption, hoping to connect audiences with Christ.

Although Williams grew up in church and heard the gospel at a young age, it wasn’t until his life was spiralling out of control — with the lifestyle accompanied by a secular rock band — that he realized his need to surrender his life to Christ.

“I realized when I gave my life to the Lord that He never left me,” Williams told The Baptist Paper. “Even in my darkest moments, He was always right there with me. I look back at my life and see how many times I was travelling down the wrong path and making wrong choices, yet God was still keeping me safe even when I thought I was too far gone.”

After leaving the band Williams found renewed purpose and passion by committing to write songs with a gospel message, along with developing a heart of repentance and opportunities to refocus on his family. With the release of his 2017 album, “Chain Breaker,” Williams realized how God was stirring not only in his own life but in listeners around the world.

“Over the past few years I’ve met all kinds of people who are dealing with addictions, cancer and other very serious situations,” Williams said. “These are the people I write songs for because I can relate to them. We all have similar pasts and similar scars — I’m just an average guy who is struggling like everyone else. The folks coming to the shows don’t get a chance to share their own stories on a bigger stage, and I feel like it’s a huge opportunity for me to share songs that they can relate to and journeys they have walked through.”

As Williams started writing songs rooted in gospel truths, it didn’t take long before those like “Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir” and “Fear is a Liar” started topping the charts and connected with audiences around the world. He also had the unique opportunity to partner with country music superstar Dolly Parton for the duet “There Was Jesus,” which helped his music gain widespread attention.

With the increased platform and popularity, Williams’ music quickly began garnering accolades. But despite prestigious awards and honours, he says it is the message behind the music that motivates him to reach audiences for Christ.

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