Alone, lost and hurting is how she found herself, or rather how God found her. And he made his presence known to her when and where she least expected it – as she was driving alone in her car after work.

This is the experience that is chronicled in the real-life-inspired song “Windows Down” by the Christian band CAIN. The song is a creative retelling of the moment Emily, wife of band member Logan Cain, accepted Christ into her life. It marked a turning point for her that completely shifted her life from utter hopelessness to salvation.

Emily was just 12 years old when she took her first drink. That was the beginning of her addiction to alcohol, a battle she would fight for many years to come. In addition, she struggled with anxiety and panic attacks on a daily basis.

Through middle school, high school and college, Emily attempted to self-medicate with alcohol, relationships, etc. Nevertheless, she felt like she was still stuck in a downward spiral.

“I thought, ‘I overcame all these circumstances … Why do I still hate myself? Why do I still feel so sad and empty and lonely?’” she said.

On the surface, Emily looked like she had it made. She earned good grades in school and after college, started her dream career as a labor and delivery nurse. She was also a cheerleader for the University of Kentucky and U.S. National cheer team. In fact, it was through cheer that she met her future husband, Logan, a pastor’s son and one-third of a Christian vocal trio with his sisters Taylor and Madison. The two hit it off right away and then began to date.

But the fact that Emily had no faith commitment was problematic for Logan. Her alcohol addiction also scared him, and he told her how much it worried him about her well-being.

“I felt like I was in a crowded room, screaming for help, but nobody could hear me.”

Emily Cain

Eventually, Emily and Logan broke off their relationship, leaving Emily at her lowest point … but as God often does, that’s exactly where he met her in a real and tangible way.

As she was driving alone with the windows down, God’s voice finally reached Emily loud and clear, and she listened. He spoke this to her heart, “Now you see – nothing else can fulfill you but me.”

“In an instant I saw my life flash before my eyes, and I could see how God was with me all along,” Emily admitted. “So I gave my life to Jesus that day.”

The day she became saved didn’t mean all of Emily’s problems went away, but it marked a new beginning. From then on, she drew her strength from God and trusted him, and he gave her his perfect peace and healing presence.

It wasn’t long after that that Emily and Logan ran into each other at a basketball game – by “coincidence” they had the ticketed seats next to each other (God-wink moment). The two reunited shortly after, and today, Emily and Logan are happily married with two beautiful daughters.

What I hope you take away from this story is that God will meet you wherever you are. He will pursue your heart relentlessly, yet lovingly. Nobody is too far gone for God to rescue. I pray Emily’s story shows you just how real God is and that you don’t have to be “perfect” to be his child (we’ve all made plenty of mistakes). All you have to do is let him in when he knocks on the door.

You can listen to Emily’s full testimony by watching the video below.