(Note: This is a continuation of the testimony of Jennifer Wilkerson, recounting how life changed for her and her husband, Rick, following an automobile collision on Christmas Day, 2000. Her lower body was completely paralyzed, and the crash also affected the use of her arms and hands. Read part one here.)
“Support—I want to mention at this point how grateful Rick and I have been and continue to be for the faithful prayer warriors in our lives. When we’ve been angry, apathetic and grieving, they have interceded. The prayers of others have buoyed us up and have been one reason we’ve been able to cope—and enjoy the blessings God has provided.
Grieving and Acceptance—Whenever someone is severely injured, what is the main concern of the medical personnel attending them? The first thing they ask is, ‘Can you wiggle your toes?’ Paralysis seems to be a fate worse than death to many. God’s arms support me when I’ve lost the unthinkable—mobility. The first memory I have of realizing the severity of my injury was while working with one of the therapists at hospital number two, who I sensed was trying to tell me something. In the course of our conversation the realization struck that she didn’t think I’d ever be able to walk again. More than once I imagined myself kneeling at the foot of the cross, trying somehow to come to terms with everything. In so doing, reality seemed so harsh as I repeated over and over, ‘Jesus, this is what you planned for me! This is your best for me!’ After a while, grief would give way to peace.
Insight—A friend who lost not only a child but her husband expressed in a blog post, ‘So many of you have commented to me how amazing and strong I am…I want to be real with you, so you may see the power Christ has in my life. Sometimes I feel like I am clinging to the pieces of my life so tight that my arms go numb from pain…I fear dropping a piece, even if that piece is gone already…it is just memories.’ I remember only a few months after my injury the sudden realization that I’d forgotten what it was like to walk…like forgetting what a loved one looked like after they’d gone because you don’t have a picture.
The Reason for My Hope—I Peter 3:15 encourages me to ‘always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.’ (NKJV) I want everyone who reads this to know that the source of the supernatural strength that has enabled me to not only endure these past (25) years but see a purpose in them, rejoice in victories and triumphs, and even thank my Heavenly Father for allowing the circumstances that were used to draw me close to Him and turn my attention to eternity—despite shedding many, many tears and struggling harder than I have in my entire life, with frustration and griefs that couldn’t even be shared here—is only possible because of my relationship with Him, and I’d like to share how this came about.
There was a time in my life when I learned about salvation and heaven, which God freely offers to anyone who comes to Him with a repentant heart. Two Bible verses, Ephesians 2:8,9, tell us that: ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.’ (NKJV)
And, Romans 6:23 talks about how: ‘The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (NKJV) I also realized I’d disobeyed God’s laws and therefore was a sinner. The Bible talks about this in Romans 3:23: ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ (NKJV) When we think of sin, we might think of outwardly visible things like murder, adultery, cheating, etc. However, it also involves inward transgressions of God’s law like pride, hatred, lust, envy, anger, and bitterness.
We know it is right for God to judge wrong…the principle of justice is wired into our being. If a man broke into your house and robbed you, it would only be right that this person be brought to justice. God, by His very nature is just and must punish sin and evil.
But, He is also a loving God! John 3:16 tells us: ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ (NKJV)
God solved this dilemma in the person of Jesus Christ. God the Son took on humanity at His birth. He lived a sinless life because He is 100% God. He walked on earth for 33 years as a man. God’s plan from eternity past was to send His Son, Jesus, to die in the place of those that had sinned against Him (that would be all of us!). Isaiah 53:6says, ‘All we like sheep have gone astray: We have turned every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ (NKJV)
We need to receive this gift of God, this grace, by faith. Jesus has paid the price for every sin you have, and ever will commit. God wants us to give up our efforts to earn salvation by being ‘good’ enough, acknowledging that we have sinned against Him and ask His forgiveness based on what Jesus did on the cross alone.
If you have not already, will you believe Christ died for your sins, and ask Him to be your Savior and receive Him as I did? You will not only live forever with Him in heaven but have strength for your trials and joy in your journey here on earth. Don’t go through life without Him!”
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (NKJV)
Write Jennifer Wilkerson and let her know how her story has impacted you. Her email address is wilkerite@sbcglobal.net.
YOU and GOD 