5 Reasons Dying Almost Saved My Life

"Difficulty Opens a Door."

People who have gone through tragedy often become paralyzed by asking questions like, “Why did this happen to me?” Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from bad things happening even if we feel it’s unfair. In fact, Jesus promised we would experience trials. Our suffering can either cause us to be angry with God or to step out in faith toward Him. Wisdom is not the same as intelligence; it’s not based on an IQ score. Wisdom is seeing from God’s perspective; it’s the divine understanding that helps us live in a way that cooperates with Him. In the midst of my pain, I learned to trust that He is a good God who is looking out for my best interest. Do you pray for His wisdom more during tough times, or do you let pain pull you away from Him?

"Being in Control is Overrated."

During most of my adult life, my success defined me. My value as a person and especially as a man depended on my financial status and professional achievements. When the market crashed and my real estate business began going under, my sense of security deteriorated. Yet after my accident, when I was physically and mentally unable to help myself in any way, I experienced more personal and professional victories than I ever did by striving for them. Although I don’t believe God causes bad things to happen, in my weakness I was forced to depend on Him. That was what He wanted from me—to rely on Him as my provider, defender, and security. Most importantly, He wanted my heart. What are you trying to control in your life that you need to let go of?

"Patience Really is a Virtue."

I am not a naturally patient man. While I was in recovery, I was at the lowest point of my life. I had to stay in bed, felt extremely fatigued yet couldn’t sleep through the night, and couldn’t speak due to vocal cord damage. In this weakened state, I had four real estate closings in one day. I had never had that many closings so close together and knew I could not credit the victory to my effort. God took care of me when I could not take care of my family or myself. As amazing as it was, I had four years of barrenness before I saw that overwhelming financial breakthrough, and it wasn’t until I was at my very weakest. Just like the healing process, sometimes God’s answers are quick, but sometimes they take time. Do you base God’s answers to your prayers on your present circumstances?

"Coincidence is an Illusion."

Countless people have stopped me on the streets of Jackson Hole, Wyoming to ask, “How do you know your story is miraculous?” When I look at the events that occurred before and after my accident, I find it very difficult to believe that everything could line up due to luck, chance, or Karma. My spinal cord remained intact despite having broken my neck and my vertebrae, and I am walking today. Those who have heard the story of my recovery testify to miraculous intervention. I’m alive because of the “coincidences” He placed together, the protection He placed around my body, and the hands of dedicated medical professionals. God performs miracles today because He is active in our lives and cares for us. What do you believe about modern-day miracles?

"The Testimony is a Gift."

If you asked the Israelites what was it like before Moses parted the Red Sea, they would likely remember their fear as they witnessed Pharaoh’s men charging toward them. God waited until there was no other way out except by way of a miracle. In Deuteronomy 7:18-19, God told His people to create monuments to remember each time He had intervened for them. He wanted the Israelites to know that no matter what troubled them in the future, He would be with them just as He had been before. Remembering builds faith in what we cannot see and confidence that God is in charge and actively involved in our lives. Write down the testimonies from your life. Read over them often when you are facing difficulty in order to build your faith