Skip to main content

“I Got Up Again” by J.R. McEntyre: How Scars Become Testimonies


J.R. McEntyre's "I Got Up Again" is more than a song - it's a living example of hope that is found during personal struggle. J.R.'s story is one where he drifted away from the faith during his younger years. He shares: "That road led to a broken marriage, separation from my children, and trying to cope with the pain by drinking a fifth of Crown a day. I felt like a failure. But even in that dark place, God's mercy reached me, and He lifted me up."

J.R. McEntyre - I got up againThe core message of the song is a reflection of Micah 7:8: "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise." Failure just isn't an option when God's mercy comes into play. "Staring at the bottom // The devil thought he sealed the deal." J.R. wouldn't accept defeat. With "fire in my bones," he declared his resilience.

The chorus rejoices: "Yes, I got up again // With Jesus by my side," emphasizing that divine strength will always triumph over despair! But most of all, the song speaks to anyone who is hiding behind their "Sunday smile." 

If you've ever felt trapped by the past, the bridge reminds you: "Every scar tells the story // Of the enemy's plan // But Jesus stepped in just in time." 

J.R. has been faithfully in church for 25 years, married for 25 years, and for the last 17 years he's had the privilege of planting and pastoring a thriving church that's still going strong. He has a message for you: "Every scar tells a story of what the enemy meant for harm, but today I'm living proof my life is in His hands."

So, what are you waiting for? Press play and let this song be your reminder that hope is where you least expect it. With Jesus, no fall has to be final.

(Related scripture: Micah 7:8; Psalm 37:24; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Connect with J.R. McEntyre

Would you like to hear more CCM music? Then check out our Christian playlists on: https://www.christiandance.eu/playlists

PS: Did you know that the posts we have on Christian Music Today also contain the backstories that artists have shared with us? Check it out on: https://christianmusictoday.eu/

Popular posts

"Hosanna (Palm Sunday) [Live]" by Century Worship: A Palm Sunday Call to Rejoice the King

Century Worship's "Hosanna (Palm Sunday) [Live]" is a joyful gathering cry: "Can you hear it in the distance? The King is coming." The song takes us back to the Palm Sunday moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, humble and righteous. The lyrics invite us to gather because something is happening. The King is approaching - not with spectacle, but with humility, faithfulness, and saving grace.  Our response is that of expectation, not spectatorship. This is worship that moves us and lifts our eyes. Instead of holding back, we're encouraged "raise up your voices" and prepare the way by laying down symbols of surrender. "Oh lay down your branches, make way for the Savior."   So, why does this song matter today? Because it reminds us that worship is both a response and a declaration. Rejoice, make room, and speak it out! We're reminded of His goodness "to save us, to change us, to bring us home again," and it anchors our hope: ...

"Lord You Are So Awesome" by Mario Tucker: Turning Everyday Moments into Praise

“Lord You Are So Awesome” by Mario Tucker is a reminder that worship doesn’t have to be complicated in order to be powerful. The song is based on the fact that what matters the most is that God’s greatness deserves our constant praise. Our praise doesn't have to meet any quality standards for it to be pleasing to God. So, ask yourself... when was the last time that you took a moment to say, “Lord you are so awesome / Lord you are so great / Your name is above the Heavens”? This song invites you to be constantly aware of God’s greatness, and that includes awareness outside the walls of church, like during car rides, your quiet time, and those precious triumphs in life. It's an awareness that leads to response. “So let’s praise and magnify your name.” Praise is not a matter of passively observing and responding... it’s a call to turn your admiration into active devotion. Think about it for a moment: what would change in your life if praise became your first reaction instead of ...

"Heaven On Earth" by Eauclaire: Finding Sacred Wonder in the Everyday

Have you ever struggled to see God's presence in your daily life? After a few chaotic days, it is easy to lose sight of the sacred. "Heaven On Earth" by Eauclaire is all about discovering the sacred in the everyday. An interesting fact is that the song was written beneath the "Looking Glass Arch" at the Heaven on Earth Music Festival in Moab, Utah (USA).  The song emphasizes that heaven isn't just a distant promise. And best of all, we don't need a "looking glass" to see that heaven is right here. So, instead of looking "out in the atmosphere," Eauclaire reminds us to simply "take a minute, take a breath," and get out of your head and into your chest.  Do you trust that God will order your steps, even when life gets heavy? Sure, easy to forget to see His hand around you, and the beauty is that you already have the ability to find His beauty and Love in the "wild flowers," the "golden hour," and even t...