The Message of "The Better Way"
by Gary L. Crawford
To my brothers and sisters in every nation,
I have walked this earth for 82 years, but for a long time, I tried to walk it in my own strength. I want to share with you the moment I finally learned what it means to live.
Years ago, my world turned dark grey. My son, Justin, was caught in a life-or-death struggle. Many would have bargained with God, saying, "I’ll live better if You save him." But the Holy Spirit had already been teaching me a deeper truth. I knelt and prayed, "Whatever happens, I will try to live better each day."
I didn't know then how much those words would cost me. For two years, I tried to keep that promise with my own hands. I tried to live "without sin," pushing myself to the edge of my endurance. But my own strength brought me to a dead end. As winter approached, I reached my breaking point. The weight of not knowing if my son would live or die was more than I could carry.
I came home one evening to an empty house, fell to my knees, and finally spoke the truth to God:
"Lord, Your word says You won't put more on me than I can handle. But I’m saying 'Uncle.' I can’t take another step. I’m going to lose my mind. You might think I can handle more, but I’m done. It’s Your problem now."
In that moment of total collapse, God didn't rebuke me. He simply said: "It is about time you got out of the way and placed this matter in My hands."
That was the birth of The Better Way.
God spared my son, but He also spared me from the "walking death" of self-reliance. I learned that "living better" isn't about working harder; it’s about getting out of the way so the Holy Spirit can lead. Since 1982, He has given me songs and wisdom that my own understanding could never reach.
If you are perishing today—if you are tired of "doing things your way" or following false preaching that puts the burden back on you—listen to my voice. Stop trying. Start surrendering. Say "Uncle" to the Father, and let Him show you the Way that leads to life.
Better each day, Lord, better each day,
By Thy grace and mercy, show me Your way.
Give me wisdom, teach me to pray,
That I might live better, better each day.
