Saved By Grace from a car accident

On the 17th of December, a day that began like any other, I made the decision to embark on an early holiday and drive home from the city where I was employed. The route was one I had traversed numerous times without any issues. As the hours passed, I remained unaware that this particular journey would profoundly alter my life and strengthen my faith in ways I had never anticipated.

I departed around 6 p.m., intending to complete the twenty-hour drive with scheduled breaks along the way. As the sun set, casting vibrant shades of orange and purple across the sky, the road seemed to stretch infinitely before me. By 8 p.m., the peacefulness of my drive was disrupted by a line of vehicles slowly navigating around a bus that had broken down and was partially blocking the road. Initially, the situation appeared to be just another minor setback.

However, as I neared the stationary bus, an unforeseen event occurred. My car began to slide uncontrollably, skidding across the road. In an instant, the driver’s side of my vehicle collided with the rear corner of the bus. In shock, I surveyed the bizarre scene: broken beer bottles were scattered across the roof of my car and the ground below. The sounds of shattering glass and crumpling metal reverberated in my ears. My heart raced, yet I was still alive.

Drawing upon a strength I had not realized I possessed, I managed to exit through the window of my damaged car. My passenger, who had momentarily lost consciousness, regained their senses as I opened the door to assist them. We stood together, shaken but remarkably unscathed aside from minor injuries. It was at that moment that I began to hear the accounts from bystanders who had witnessed the harrowing events unfold.

The operator of a truck transporting two trailers filled with bottled beer failed to notice the extensive line of vehicles ahead. Unable to decelerate in time, he first struck the rear of a bus situated at the end of the queue. In a frantic effort to avert further calamity, he veered into the opposing lane, colliding with nearly every vehicle in his path. Witnesses recounted that as the truck neared my vehicle, another truck emerged in the opposite lane. The driver of the beer truck then swerved back into the correct lane, impacting my car directly from behind and propelling it into the stationary bus. Ultimately, the truck veered off the road, coming to a halt in a ditch nearly one hundred meters away.

As I absorbed these narratives, I was struck by the extraordinary outcome. My car, battered and mangled, appeared as though it should have been a tomb. Yet, here I stood amidst the debris, alive and breathing. Hearing bystanders speculate about the survival of the car's driver made the reality of my survival even more profound. They had not witnessed my emergence from the vehicle and assumed the worst. Little did they realize that a higher power had protected me.

That evening, I was transported to the hospital for examinations and monitoring. Aside from a torn ligament in my left shoulder, I emerged relatively unscathed. The following day, I was released with recommendations for four weeks of physical therapy. Although my car was irreparable, the gratitude I felt for my life far outweighed any material loss.

The return journey could not proceed by road; however, after a short period of recuperation, I made my way back to the city where I am employed and arranged for a flight instead. Each step I took served as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the profound grace that had been bestowed upon me.

In reflecting on that fateful night, I can only attribute my preservation to the hand of Almighty God. The circumstances I faced were beyond rational explanation; survival appeared unattainable by human standards. Yet, I found myself walking away from a situation that should have resulted in my demise.

In the subsequent days, I discovered comfort and gratitude in a song by Don Moen entitled “Lord You Are Good.” The lyrics struck a deep chord within me, perfectly articulating the thankfulness I harbored. Each line transformed into a personal anthem of praise for the protection and grace I had received.

This account transcends mere narration; it stands as a testament to the ever-present vigilance of God in our lives. Even during times when we may be oblivious to His influence, He is there, rescuing us from peril and guiding us through our challenges.

Life is inherently unpredictable, and obstacles often arise unexpectedly. Nevertheless, my experience serves as a reminder that we are never truly alone. There exists a divine force that accompanies us, safeguarding us from hidden threats and providing us with the fortitude to confront whatever challenges may come our way. My survival was not a mere stroke of luck; it was a clear manifestation of God’s boundless mercy and love.

To all who read this, may my account serve as a beacon of hope and faith. The path of life is often riddled with uncertainties, yet we must place our trust in the unseen force that guides our journey. In moments of hardship, let us remember that grace is always accessible, even when our situations appear bleak.

As I progress in my healing and contemplation, I embrace a revitalized sense of purpose. Each day presents a gift, an opportunity to honor the second chance I have received. I endeavor to live with appreciation, to share my narrative, and to remind others of the remarkable strength found in faith.

All glory belongs to God, for He is indeed the guardian of our spirits. This experience has transformed me profoundly, granting me a deeper appreciation for the value of life and the infinite love of the Creator. My journey could have concluded that fateful night, but instead, it unfolded into a new chapter—a testament to survival, grace, and steadfast faith.

Therefore, to anyone traversing the valleys of fear or doubt, cling to hope. Understand that you are never beyond the reach of God's hand. His protection is unwavering, His love is steadfast, and His grace is adequate for every challenge. My life stands as evidence of this reality. For this, I will eternally proclaim, "Lord, You are good."