Pop/rock. There has been much incorrect interpretation of this song on the internet and on radio. If the title or lyrics offend you, click on the LYRICS/STORY link. The song is not about God destroying, but about God defending. ASCAP

» highest in charts:   # 100   (102,503 songs currently listed in Pop)
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Over a period of several months here in Kansas, there were three tragic events that received signficant media coverage. An assistant football coach (Bob Cope) at a large state university died of cancer. A female employee (Amie Montegomery) at a sandwich shop was murdered at closing time. A sheriff's officer (Ken Snider) was killed on duty. In all three cases, the coverage by the local newspaper made a major point about the victim and her/his faith in God.
I respect that the newspaper was trying to point to the high qualities of these people and the loss that would be felt. But God was sure taking a hit. The message was coming across that we cannot count on God for protection or healing.
So I decided to write some songs to hopefully reverse this gradual erosion of God's credibility and reliability. "God's Backhand" was one of those songs. Its intention was to inspire confidence in a God that can be depended upon, even in life and death situations. The song is not about God killing, but about God protecting.
PS What I love about those who criticize me over this song is that they are taking a stand for the overwhelming nature of God ... merciful, loving, gentle, etc.

Here are previews of articles regarding these individuals.
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Wichita Eagle - December 31, 1996 - 1C SPORTS

'IT'S IN GOD'S HANDS' For Kansas State football defensive coordinator, Bob Cope, the words come with difficulty - but without bitterness. "It's in God's hands," Cope said simply. While his Wildcats' defense prepares for Wednesday's Cotton Bowl appearance against Brigham Young University in Dallas, Cope, 60, remains at his home in Manhattan - engaged in a life-and-death struggle with an advanced form of cancer. It wasn't...
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Wichita Eagle - February 25, 1997 - 1A MAIN NEWS

SUB SHOP VICTIM KNEW SUSPECT * AMIE MONTGOMERY HAD PLACED ERIC PEARSON'S NICKNAME ON A PRAYER LIST SHE KEPT AT HOME. Amie Montgomery knew Eric Pearson, who often stopped by Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas on North Rock Road to visit his cousins who worked there. Montgomery, the restaurant's manager, knew enough about him to write Pearson's nickname, "Ace," on a prayer list she kept at home. Her father, Robert, said he thought the 19-year-old Montgomery was praying for Pearson. On Feb. 17, Montgomery was fatally shot while lying face-down behind...
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Wichita Eagle - April 22, 1997 - 1A MAIN NEWS

SLAIN OFFICER LIVED BY FAITH, TAUGHT OTHERS BY EXAMPLE On a folded slip of paper tucked into a pocket of his wallet, Sheriff's Sgt. Ken Snider kept the words he tried to live by, the words of Psalm 91. "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust," the verse reads in part. For Snider, the veteran sheriff's officer killed in the line of duty last week and laid to rest Monday in Wichita, it was his Psalm of Protection, said law enforcement Chaplain Jack...
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You may bring up these previews yourself at http://www.kansas.com/archives/
Cut and paste one of the following phrases in the search window (include quotes if present). One or more articles will come up.
"It's in God's hands,"
SUB SHOP VICTIM KNEW SUSPECT
SLAIN OFFICER LIVED BY FAITH

(v.1)
The Assyrian army camped outside Jerusalem
Ready to conquer and level it.
But most of the army died in their sleep one night
So the Lord ended that threat.

And there’s other stories like the prophets of Baal ...
Queen Jezebel ... Goliath of Gath.
These weren’t just innocent bystanders
These were enemies who felt the wrath ... of ...

(c.1)
God’s backhand when tough love must get even tougher.
God’s backhand when evil plays rough, God can play rougher.


(v.2)
We’re not talking about tennis or ping pong
Or any kind of friendly sport.
We’re talking about God fighting for His people
Where someone can really get hurt.

But that someone is your enemy
Who’d have no qualms about hurting you.
So they’re not being unfairly treated
When they get what is their due ... from

(c.2)
God’s backhand it’s as strong as it ever was.
God’s backhand it will solve problems that nothing else does.

(c.3)
God’s backhand when you need something more than just defense.
God’s backhand will send evil flying over the fence.