Growing up in a Christian household, attending church was a regular part of life for Josh Turner. While church culture was familiar, it was a couple of personal experiences outside of formal church settings that truly solidified his early faith. These moments, seemingly small at the time, became the bedrock of his unwavering belief, the kind of faith that resonates deeply in his music, including his powerful song, “I Serve a Savior.”
One of these pivotal moments came in the form of a cherished gift from his paternal grandparents: The Book. This wasn’t just any book; it was a collection of Bible stories that captivated young Josh’s imagination. He recalls being utterly engrossed in its pages, unable to put it down. Within those stories, he encountered a God who was both powerful and profoundly loving. This early exposure to scripture through The Book laid a crucial foundation for his spiritual understanding, a gift he remains eternally grateful for.
The second experience etched into his memory occurred when he was around nine or ten years old. Living in the countryside meant trips to a distant dumpster were necessary. One clear night, as Josh and his father drove to dispose of trash, he noticed the unusual darkness of the sky. There was no moon, and even the stars seemed faint. After emptying the trash, as they drove back towards home, a strange light caught Josh’s eye, reflecting off the car’s hood. Suddenly, he felt an inexplicable pull towards the windshield. Looking up, he was met with an awe-inspiring sight: above the trees near his house, a single cloud appeared, illuminated with the silhouette of a Man standing with outstretched arms. Overwhelmed, young Josh desperately wanted to share this vision with his father, but words failed him. He was speechless, completely captivated by the scene unfolding before him.
Just as suddenly as it began, the vision shifted. He felt himself drawn back into his seat, and the light reflecting on the hood of the car faded away. Upon arriving home, the experience was so profound that Josh immediately sought to preserve it. He rushed to the barn, found paper and pencil, and sketched a quick drawing of what he had witnessed, fearing he might forget the incredible details. For days, he kept this experience to himself, pondering its meaning. Eventually, he confided in his parents. Their response was simple yet deeply affirming: “Josh, if you saw it, you saw it. And, we believe you.”
In that moment, Josh understood. He knew that what he had witnessed was a personal message from Jesus, a direct confirmation of His existence. This powerful encounter became an unshakeable anchor for his faith. Even through times of doubt and questioning, Josh Turner recounts that he always returns to that night, to that vision in the sky. It serves as a constant reminder, a powerful testament to why he can confidently declare, “I serve a savior.” These two childhood experiences, the gift of Bible stories and the vision in the night sky, were instrumental in grounding Josh Turner’s faith at a young age. He moved from simply knowing about God to experiencing God’s presence in a tangible and personal way, a journey that continues to inspire his life and his music, including his heartfelt song, “I Serve a Savior.”
