This month, I share how God’s sustaining power helped Brenda Beigl through a horrific crash. Brenda attends my church, and as I’ve watched her recovery after her accident, I’ve seen her persevere through many challenges and push through the pain from her accident. Her ability to persevere is a direct result of her relationship with Jesus. In her own words, she shares how she is experiencing the sustaining power of God.

 

The Crash
Blinding headlights and the screech of crunching metal! 

Intense pain.

Rolling, screaming, pounding, people yelling!

Somebody hit me head-on! 

This is how my lovely evening with friends ended in November 2021 when a man decided to pass on a curve in a no-passing zone.

 

Reflecting on that Night
I remember every detail of that frightening night. My pain, the noises, and the frigid temps as it took close to an hour for the first responders to extract me from the vehicle.

I remember joking with the police officer who supported me in the van. I gave the firefighters a hard time, teasing them that “Chicago Fire” worked faster. And I gave the young paramedics a shock and a good laugh with what I said to them when they needed to cut off my clothes to check me. (What I said is not quite for publication)

I remember the madness in the ER as I was cared for and admitted. The next day, they told me the accident left my right heel shattered, requiring surgery. They also informed me I could not place weight on my foot for 12-14 weeks, and there would be no physical therapy until after that. Non-weight bearing…for how long, I wondered. 

There was uncertainty about how I would physically walk when all was said and done.

God’s Sustaining Power

After the initial shock, I remember feeling calm. A sense of comfort and peace came over me that can only be explained by the presence of God. 

I hear your questions: how can you joke when you’re in a crushed car, in excruciating pain and scared?

Only God!

I was in a good place spiritually at that time. Praying and reading the Bible regularly. I had been writing in my gratitude journal and focused on being aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence throughout the year.

These are a few of my journal entries before and following my accident.

Journal Entry eight days before the accident:
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor 12:9,10 (ESV)

Journal Entry eight days after my accident:
So, once again, my life has been turned upside down. Lord, You were with me through it all. How do people do it without You?? You must have been in the van with me when the accident happened. I’m amazed I didn’t have more injuries. You perfectly selected the amazing people at the accident scene and the hospital to care for me.

Journal Entry nine days after my accident:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Lord, You are my everything today as I am on a long journey to heal and need Your peace. I was complaining about how I didn’t know if I could do this for nine more weeks. And then this message was on my tea bag this morning, “Even a journey of a thousand miles starts with a first step.” Thank you, God, for this encouragement!

Journal entry ten days after my accident:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Lord, I’m casting a lot on you these days! Even though my life has been changed significantly, I can see Your blessings as well.

Journal entry four months later:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Lord, I know these verses well and try so hard to be obedient and not to worry.

Journal Entry seven months later:
Lord, I have realized how much time I spent in Your Word and prayer following the accident.

I find myself in a rough spot now because I am not taking that time in Your Word and prayer.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Difficulties

I have to be honest with all of you; not all my days have been positive and uplifting. I was in excruciating pain. Uncomfortable, irritable, grumbling, and impatient with my husband, David, my primary and daily caregiver. Family and friends were a great comfort, but I often felt lonely.

I was at my worst when I wasn’t in God’s Word, praying and journaling daily. 

Christmas 2021 was a much different-looking holiday than in years past. 

Unable to do the things I loved, I found help in Julie’s “Reclaiming Christmas Joy.”

By refocusing on Jesus, picking up my Bible, praying, and journaling, Jesus sustained me. He is my peace, strength, support, and friend.

Jesus is the reason I can get up every day and push through whatever is going on in my life!

Update

I am recovering from yet another surgery due to the accident. I will start physical therapy again soon. And it is the presence of Jesus that is once again sustaining me. 

I leave you with this verse and hope it will encourage you in whatever trials you face today. 

“Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22 (NLT)

May God Bless You.
Brenda Beigl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you’ve found Brenda’s story encouraging.

We all have struggles in life; some are more difficult than others, but in it and through it all, we can find comfort and peace in the pages of Scripture. In the pages of your Bible, you will encounter the presence of God. I want to encourage you to open your Bible today. Pray for Him to reveal Himself to you. And trust that He will sustain you in all things.

If you have a story you’d like to share, email me today at julie@julieademe.com

Blessings,