Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn’t even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation - “Indescribable.” The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God. Story had no idea her life would be used for such a purpose. Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in January 2008, Story is still learning that God’s plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.
So how did a string bassist from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University.
“I was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,” Story recalls. “He said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band – it had never even crossed my mind.” The band was Silers Bald, who would later become a popular indie pop-rock band in the Southeast. The young man she met was vocalist Shane Williams, and by the time they’d made it through the registration line, Story was their newest female member.
Story started out playing string bass, graduated to electric bass, and then took a stab at vocals when the original female vocalist left. Completely out of her comfort zone but willing to trust God with her newfound vocal ability, she even tried her hand at songwriting, and their fans desired more. “The Lord taught me that it’s not necessarily what I think my strengths are. That’s not how He determines what He’s going to use,” says Story.
Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. “I knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,” says Story. They amicably parted ways and Story ended up touring with folk-rock artist Andrew Peterson that spring. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own: “Why would I do that?” she answered. “That would mean I’d have to sing on it!” Besides, she was out of money and didn’t have enough songs for a full record.
But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album with producer Stephen Gause and trusted that the last song she needed to round out the album would be provided. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God’s own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. And considering the road Story had traveled to get to this place, “Indescribable” was the perfect title track.
What brought “Indescribable” into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Story’s from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use “Indescribable” as his first single, Story was shocked. “I remember saying, ‘That song will never work for corporate worship. There’s no way congregations are going to sing that!’ But it’s humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”
“Indescribable” flew up the AC charts where it stayed 1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlin’s 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but even with millions of people now familiar with her words, Story takes no more credit for writing them than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. “I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don’t know if I’ll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - I’m just the first person who gets to hear them.”
In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and women’s pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story’s life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Story’s husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
“There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren’t sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,’ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn’t really know that sweetness,” reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story has composed new songs with meaty, real substance that have ministered to her as much as they will minister to her listeners.
“It’s hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that’s when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I’ve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He’s remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.”
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it’s not a job she’s giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others’ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
“Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person’s, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form.”
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it’s exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend…
Great God Who Saves
Laura Story Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The rock on which I stand
The Truth to which I cling
His love that knows no bounds
He showers us with grace
Withholding no good thing
When I stumble
I will call your name
Great God who saves
I would have despaired
If I had not believed
That You would come to me
Great God who saves
In my darkest hour
Your mercy and Your power
Are reaching out to me
Great God who saves
Oh the mystery of God,
Who holds all space and time
Yet knows my every need
The vastness of Your power
The strength You give the weak
I soar on eagle's wings
When I stumble
And my faith is small
I will call Your name
Great God who saves
I would have despaired
If I had not believed
That You would come to me
Great God who saves
In my darkest hour
Your mercy and Your power
Are reaching out to me
Great God who saves
And in my pain and in my need
You heard me calling out Your name
When I was blind and could not see
You stepped in and saved a wretch like me
You saved a wretch like me
And I would have despaired
If I had not believed
That You would come to me
Great God who saves
In my darkest hour
Your mercy and Your power
Are reaching out to me
Great God who saves
In "Great God Who Saves," Laura Story expresses her gratitude and trust in God's promises, unfailing love, and unending grace. She recognizes that God is the foundation of living a fulfilling life, and His Word is the rock on which she stands. With complete reliance on God, even when she stumbles and her faith is small, she trusts in His power and calls out His name, as He is the great God who saves. The song expresses that belief in God's salvation can transform despair into hope, even in the darkest hour.
The song focuses on the paradoxical nature of God's power and love. Laura Story describes God's mystery as the One who holds all space and time yet knows her every need. He showers us with grace, withholding no good thing. He gives strength to the weak and can save anyone, no matter how lost they may feel. The song reminds us that nothing is impossible for God, and He will always come through in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh the promises of God,
Reflecting on the due and noble pledges that God has made to us.
The rock on which I stand
The firm foundation in God that I depend on for stability.
The Truth to which I cling
The absolute verity and authentic teaching of God that I hold onto.
His love that knows no bounds
God's endearing compassion for us that has no limit nor boundary.
He showers us with grace
God generously pouring goodness on us by unmerited favour.
Withholding no good thing
God does not hold back from providing the best for us.
When I stumble
In moments of weakness or challenge when I falter.
And my faith is small
During times of doubt or when my trust in God is limited or weak.
I will call your name
I will seek and petition God for help and guidance.
Great God who saves
God, the mighty and valiant rescuer who redeems and saves.
I would have despaired
I would have lost hope and given up.
If I had not believed
If I did not trust in God.
That You would come to me
That God would be present and bring salvation to me.
Oh the mystery of God,
Pondering on the enigma of God, who is beyond human comprehension.
Who holds all space and time
God, who possesses and governs all dimensions of existence.
Yet knows my every need
Despite the vastness of God's knowledge, He still understands and attends to all of my necessities.
The vastness of your power
The immense strength and authority that God possesses.
The strength you give the weak
God, who empowers those who are frail and powerless.
I soar on eagle's wings
I experience the unbounded freedom and joy of being close to God, just as an eagle soars freely in the sky.
And in my pain and in my need
During troubled times and moments of dire necessity.
You heard me calling out Your name
God perceived my cry and request for His help.
When I was blind and could not see
When I was ignorant and unable to recognize my own needs.
You stepped in and saved a wretch like me
God intervened and rescued me when I was helpless and undeserving.
And I would have despaired
I would have fallen into despair.
If I had not believed
If I did not put my trust in God.
That You would come to me
That God would manifest and provide salvation to me.
Your mercy and Your power
God's loving kindness and formidable might.
Are reaching out to me
God's mercy and power are coming to me and helping me.
Great God who saves
God, who is powerful and compassionate and is able to rescue and deliver us.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: LAURA MIXON STORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Garongie
Awesome song... i'll never be tired listening to it ...so humbling and gives tremendous hope and peace every time i start the day ... the forever theme song of my heart to my GOD...LORD...FRIEND...SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
Matthew Vidal
I'm right there with you!! This song always speaks to my soul. Amen! 🙏💛
Gina Fantillo
Uplifting song hallelujah!
MAIMABLE
Thank you for sharing this song. May God bless you.
Marisa B
my dad an me sang this song in our church today, it was so beautiful^^
justine garida
this song make me happy! <3 Love GOD
Cledisson Gama
Thank you for this great music to love at Jesus!
Raffa Ellah Taala
great songs for the Great God!!
Elena Martinez
great song. love laura story.
Bluegeek1
Laura; nice, very nice song.....wish I could listen all day long