There is so much in life to reflect upon, especially over the past few years since my life was forever changed in 2009 due to my motorcycle accident. Through it all, one belief has held steady: there are no coincidences. I believe everything happens for a reason.
I want to share some specific instances from my journey that
illustrate this belief. Each moment has shaped my life in profound ways, and
looking back, I can see how every situation—whether joyful, challenging, or
unexpected—served a greater purpose.
As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
When I think about July 24, 2009, the day of my accident, I
reflect on how drastically life can change in an instant. At first, it was hard
to make sense of what had happened. I went from being fully independent to
relying on others for basic needs. However, even in the darkest moments, there
were glimmers of hope and signs of purpose. The support from my family,
friends, and even strangers showed me the power of community and God’s presence
through others.
Psalm 46:1 declares: “God is our refuge and
strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Financial Challenges and Divine Provision
In the months leading up to my accident, I was facing
financial challenges. I had been on several job interviews and had just been
offered a position with a higher salary. Taking that job seemed like the best
choice for Jake and me. At the time, I was working in a role where I had just
received a small raise and a title change, but it wasn’t enough to meet the
growing needs of our household. I knew that moving on would be necessary for
financial stability.
When I handed in my resignation, I explained the situation
to my boss, fully expecting my departure to be final. But then something
unexpected happened. My boss told me she would see what she could do—and came
back with a counteroffer that matched the salary I would have earned in the new
position. It wasn’t just the amount of money but the timing that felt so
significant. To me, this was a clear sign from God to stay where I was.
What I couldn’t have known at the time was how crucial that
decision would be. After the accident, the financial situation became even more
eye-opening. For one, I wasn’t fully vested in the state retirement system yet,
as it required five years of employment. I had only been there for four years.
But my coworkers stepped in, donating their hard earned vacation
days—approximately 300 —giving me 14 paychecks. Those 14 paychecks were enough
to push me to the five-year mark, making me vested and eligible to draw
disability from that job.
That alone was an incredible blessing and a testament to
God’s provision. But there was more.
When I spoke with my outpatient therapy insurance case
manager, she asked if I knew what my deductible was. I didn’t. She explained
that most patients had a $10,000 deductible. But mine? Only $600. That news
floored me. It was yet another sign of God’s goodness and provision,
clearing a massive financial hurdle that could have been devastating otherwise.
These moments were clear evidence of God’s goodness and
care, fulfilling the promise of Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall
supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
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| Restoration is possible, don't remain broken |
One moment that stands out is the placement of my feeding
tube. Initially, others prayed to regain my ability to swallow, but God
answered in a different way. The feeding tube allowed me to heal, adapt, and
eventually thrive. Over the years, it’s taught me patience, resilience, and
gratitude for the innovations that sustain me.
At the time, it felt like a setback, but looking back, I see
how it was part of a greater plan. My body was kept nourished, and I’ve been
able to embrace life in ways I never imagined.
As Isaiah 55:8-9 says: “For my thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my
thoughts than your thoughts.”
From a Wheelchair to Walking Again
Another pivotal moment in my journey was transitioning from
a wheelchair to walking. At first, I could barely sit upright, let alone walk.
Therapy was grueling, and progress was slow. But with perseverance, the
guidance of skilled therapists, and faith in God’s timing, I achieved what once
seemed impossible.
Those early days in therapy taught me the importance of
small victories and trusting the process. Each step—literal and
metaphorical—was proof that challenges can lead to incredible breakthroughs.
As Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “And let us not be
weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
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| 2009 vs. 2023 |
A Greater Purpose
Reflecting on these moments and many others, I am more
certain than ever that nothing happens by accident. Every trial, every triumph,
and every unexpected twist has played a role in shaping who I am today.
God’s plan is often mysterious, but I’ve learned to trust
it. The answers may not come immediately, and they may not come in the way
we expect, but they do come.
Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that all
things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.”
Your Journey
I share these reflections not only to look back on my own
journey but to encourage you to look at your own life. Consider the moments
that felt confusing or painful at the time. With time and perspective, can you
see how they might have served a greater purpose?
Trust that everything happens for a reason. Even in the
midst of uncertainty, there is a plan at work—one that is far greater than
we can comprehend.
Finding Purpose in Limitations
Everything has a reason and a purpose, even when it's
unclear to us at the time. It’s easy to dwell on the negative, to fixate on
what we’ve lost or what we can no longer do. But I’ve learned that choosing
to see the positive and the potential in every situation transforms not just
our outlook but also our lives.
Let me explain. I can’t run a 5K, but I can walk. I can’t
eat through my mouth, but I haven’t gone hungry. I can’t physically stack wood
or carry a child while I walk, but I can drive. I don’t talk as I used to, but
I’m not mute.
It’s natural to grieve the things we cannot do, especially
when they once came so easily. But I’ve learned to find comfort in what I
can do, and I’ll admit, it isn’t always easy. And just because I can’t do
something right now doesn’t mean I won’t be able to in the future.
As Ecclesiastes 3:1 beautifully reminds us: “To
every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
This verse reassures me that God’s timing is perfect. While
I may not see the full picture today, I trust that the things I long for and
the abilities I’ve lost are part of His greater plan. By focusing on what I can
do, I find hope and gratitude in every day.
Finding Comfort in Joseph’s Story
When I think about finding purpose in adversity, I often
reflect on the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. I’m not comparing
myself to him—he was a remarkable man of faith—but his journey brings me
so much comfort.
Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, had 11 brothers who
despised him. Their jealousy drove them to plot his demise, and they ultimately
sold him into slavery when he was just 17 years old. Despite being taken
far from home and placed in unimaginable circumstances, Joseph’s life
demonstrates God’s faithfulness in the midst of hardship.
Joseph became the head servant in his master
Potiphar’s house, but his integrity led to false accusations by Potiphar’s
wife, landing him in prison. He spent two years there before an extraordinary
turn of events. Pharaoh needed a dream interpreted, and God gave Joseph the
wisdom to interpret it.
Joseph’s interpretation foretold a famine, and his guidance
on preparing for it earned him a position second only to Pharaoh himself. At
30 years old, 13 years after being sold into slavery, Joseph finally saw God’s
purpose in his suffering.
What strikes me most about Joseph’s story is what he told
his brothers after they reunited, as recorded in Genesis 50:20: “But
as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to
bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
Joseph’s obstacles, as painful as they were, served a
greater purpose. This reminds me that even when I can’t see the full picture
of why something happens, God can. His plans often involve trials, but they
also lead to blessings, both for us and for others.
Like Joseph, I’ve come to trust that what may seem meant for
harm can ultimately bring about good. It’s a powerful reminder that no
matter how dark the path may seem, God’s purpose will prevail.
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