Wrecked for Good

Early one morning I drove the familiar interstate on my way to work, along with other commuters and what seemed like an unusual number of freight trucks.

A drizzling rain began to fall, and I shivered, wishing the heat in my little Dodge Dart worked consistently. At least I have a car, and at least I’m dry, I thought. With several payments left on the Dart, I would not be able to afford another car for a long time. I did not look forward to another summer without air conditioning. I noticed an SUV a few car lengths ahead of me, and then, without warning, its brake lights lit up as the driver spotted a traffic jam around the curve up ahead. I hit my brakes just in time, but my eyes flew to my rearview mirror. There was no time to react. The giant headlights were too close and growing bigger and brighter. Smash! My airbag deployed. My face plowed into it, and I tasted salty metal. Then I heard and felt a second smash as the front of my car slammed into the back of the SUV.

My glasses were flung off my face.

The key ring, with the key in the ignition, snapped, and keys flew through the air. The back of my head hit the headrest, and everything grew still.

A commercial semi-truck had hit me and totaled my car, smashing it like an accordion between the truck and the SUV. Apart from some minor cuts and bruises, I made it out of the wreck with my life—a walking testimony of God’s protection.

To my surprise, when I received a check from the truck’s insurance, it was enough for me to get a much more reliable used car without the need for financing—a car with working heat and air conditioning. To this day I still experience a moment of gratitude each time I turn the dial and the air starts to blow without a hitch.

The wreck will forever be a reminder to me of God’s grace and protection. He can use the most terrifying experiences for the good of those who love and trust Him. Have you ever looked back on a terrible experience only to be amazed at how God used that experience for good? Though we sometimes struggle to see God’s hand amid trauma, these experiences are often the gateway to great blessings. We can trust God to work all things for our good.

Kristin Beaven