March 14, 2006

Peace amidst the storm

By Kristene Diggins

I was enjoying an early morning jog on a crisp, cool March day. Without warning my perspective would change in the blink of an eye and I would have to rely on Jesus Christ with all my mind, body and spirit.

It was a winding country road and I was meditating on Paul’s words in Romans 8:18: “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Suddenly my left leg was knocked out from under me. One second I was thinking about the suffering that Paul was talking about and the beauty of the world around me, and the next second I was crying out the name of Jesus Christ. I rolled three times on the ground, the sounds of an engine roaring in my ears. I saw a car speeding away. I had been hit.

I got up and started walking the last quarter mile home, incredulous at what had just happened. My leg ached. Someone stopped and offered me a ride. I noticed blood on my shirt. Fear began creeping in. I knew I could choose to trust Christ completely, letting His peace abide in me, or I could choose to focus on my fear. I prayed. As God promises in His Word, He replaced my fear with His peace (John 14:27).

I went to the emergency room and discovered all I needed were sutures in my face and a brace on my sprained ankle. I limped out of the hospital on crutches and with 16 stitches in my face. I will always have a scar that will remind me of this accident, but my clearest memory is of God’s peace. I knew God’s presence surrounded me. Somehow, just thinking on Scripture, I was drawn further into Christ’s presence.

Paul’s words in Romans certainly hold true. I do not consider that any of the sufferings I go through could compare with the glory that will be revealed in me. One day I will stand before God’s throne as His child. This hope keeps me going each day and gives me the strength to know that all things will work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28).

Kristene Diggins serves as a missionary nurse with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Brazil.