Testimony

Finding Peace In Adverse Circumstances
Submitted by Jenny Douglas
Posted by Joey Kelly

Yesterday marks the fourth anniversary of the greatest life-altering event we've ever experienced. Many of you were my fb friends then and well remember, prayed for and helped us through the most difficult days. Some of you were not so I will fill you in a little.
My husband was coming down from the roof of our barn and as he approached the edge to step on the ladder, the lathe broke and pitched him over the side. He landed on the upper part of his back. He immediately knew he was paralyzed. He was air lifted to a trauma center where we received the news of the extent of his injuries. He had a broken C1, C2, C7, T1,T2, (with a crushed spinal cord there), 3 ribs, sternum, several teeth, bruised lungs and a concussion. He had surgery to place a rod and screws and we were given little hope of ever having any movement IF he even made it.

I began to see God move immediately, answering one prayer after another, miraculously moving on our behalf. Even though it seemed everything that could go wrong did and there were complications and infections He sustained us.

We were eventually transferred to Atlanta to a brain and spinal cord rehab hospital and stayed 3 months, fighting for life and learning to live in a chair. On March 12 he was discharged to an apartment for outpatient therapy, and the next week he rebroke his neck. So we were back in the hospital twice over the next two weeks for problems.

Eventually he progressed and had much restored. He is no longer completely paralyzed, but has many deficits and challenges.
This has been something that has affected not just the two of us but our family. Our children have taken on new roles, and our grandchildren barely remember the old Papa when he could do so much with them.

I can testify that it has been horrible in many ways. No one knows the pain and suffering he endures on a daily basis, or the mental anguish he suffers. We hope no one we know ever has to know. You can only know it first hand and we wouldn't wish it on anyone.

But, I can also say, without hesitation or reservation, that it has been the Hand of God that has kept us, provided for us, brought healing, given us positive attitudes and even a little humor at times, and Who has dried every tear. He has been by our side and carried us many times when we couldn't go on of our own accord. He has strengthened us and held us up through many battles, many sleepless nights, roller coaster emotions, and given us peace when we needed it most.

God is a Good God. He is Faithful and Just in all His ways. Nothing touches the child of God that doesn't first go through His Sovereign hands. Nothing catches Him off guard. He was never sitting in heaven chewing His nails wondering how He would see us through. He had a way from the beginning and it was centered on Christ and our faith in HIS work.
We've learned more about trust and placing our lives in His hands than we could have otherwise. We continue to trust Him to see us through each day.

I wish I could say we've always handled it as dear saints. We haven't. We've had our frustrations, our down times, even anger, ( me), but He hasn't changed. He has been Faithful.

My one consolation is that I know our time is short and His coming is near. I know, for the saint, there is no more pain and no more tears in Heaven. We are looking forward to that day, for we know this present suffering shall not compare to the glory which shall be revealed in us.

To God be all the Glory for all He has done!

If you are facing difficult circumstances, let me encourage you that you do not have to face them alone. If you place your faith in Jesus, and the complete work He did on the Cross you can have peace in the storm, joy in pain, and Hope when all seems lost.