As I was driving home today in a torrential downpour I was reminded of a story that complements my last post about safety. This installment of the health and safety series (yes, there are more coming) is dedicated to the nerve wrecked loved ones who think I’m just a little nutty for going on this mission. I love them for their concern so it’s my prayer that by sharing these stories there will be revelation as to just how much concern God has for me too!
To be fair, my family has not only endured the suffering of my many accidents but they were there to take care of me. These accidents occurred prior to my salvation. I now know they were all a part of the plan to get me where I am. I was one tough nut to crack but I had to be cracked to be won to Jesus. What cracked? My leg then my back! Not only did I split my tibia but broke my knee into pieces and then one year later I crushed a vertebra. Quite an ordeal times two, my family is still scarred from the memories. Am I okay now? Absolutely! God took me to that broken place where I discovered I needed Him but He also restored me. In fact, I have a stronger leg because it has bionic parts in it! Isn’t that what He does? He breaks us to remake us and then we become the superhero version of who were once were because Jesus is living inside of us and He saved the world! Actually, He continues to save me…
During my last trip up to North Carolina I took a drive from my home base in the mountains three hours across the state to visit my grandmother. At dusk I planned to head back, about that time flash flood and tornado warnings were all over the television. I took a minute to pray, looked out the window at the perfectly clear weather and said goodbye. For the first hour of the drive I was probably muttering about all the dramatics of the weather channel because it could not have been more peaceful outside. I sighed with relief as I listened to music and the stars came out above the mountains I had just come to the edge of. Then my phone and the radio started beeping loudly as my jeep became engulfed in rain with winds pushing it all over the road. I hit the most dangerous storm imaginable in a county where the bridges take you not only over water but from mountain to mountain. I could not see anything as I was sliding across the road not knowing where the edge of the bridge, the edge of the mountain or the edge of my seat was anymore. I remember praying to see another set of headlights to know I had a lifeline, but also dreaded what would come of two vehicles caught up in it all together. You never know how fervently you can pray until you are about to die. He got me out of the mess I had gotten myself into! I know there will be other storms, and even other poor choices but I’m made wiser because of them.
I learned to not underestimate the storms of life but if I do, to trust the mercy of God to not only get me through them but to give me a more abundant life on the other side (of the world).
