Tamara, petite with dark brown eyes and gorgeous wide smile; faced challenge just like any other busy college student. The 19-year-old graduate; was living on her own for the first time; in love with her boyfriend, Patrick, living with a roommate, and working as a waitress to help compensate expenses at College. On October fifteenth, Tamara and four friends headed to Rosarito, Mexico, a beach town popular among college students.
Riding in the backseat of a taxi in Mexico, Tamara felt cold as she headed for a night out with friends. The last thing she remembers is her boyfriend leaning over and hugging her to keep her warm; just before the taxi struck a horse on the highway killing Patrick and the driver; the other passengers escaped serious injuries. Tamara believes Patrick's hug protected her body with his and saved her life. In an instant, Tamara lost her boyfriend and the ability to move, suffering a spinal cord injury, which left her paralyzed from the chest down.
"We took a taxi so we'd avoid being in an accident, choosing not to drink and drive, so why did this happen? For several weeks I was extremely angry; then one day at the hospital I felt the clear presence of God, which gave me hope and a sense of peace; offering strength to face the traumatic realization, the rest of my life will be in a wheelchair. Only God knows why he does things, but I know now, God blessed me with a second chance."
PARALYSIS represents complete loss for the capacity and feeling of the body, a crippling stoppage of activity. There is yet another type of paralysis; the crippling activity of our union with God; representing a complete loss and clear understanding of his plan for our lives. We may exhibit our own limited strength facing a crisis, but nothing can compare to the power; he is willing to exhibit through us.
Even when it looks as if the world is in the hands of the enemy, God is still in control, protecting those who are his. Although we may not understand and no matter how hopeless our condition, or how much we would like to give up, we need not despair; God is in control of our world and will transform our darkness into light.
The secret to victory is first recognizing the futility of unaided human effort and then trusting God. His power works best through those who recognize their limitations. It is those who think they can do it all who are in the greatest danger. When we face difficult situations and feel surrounded, outnumbered, overpowered; remember that God's power is not limited to our resources, he will protect you in his loving arms.
The love that caused Christ to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and bless us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that can save you and is available to you in your daily life. Be assured that having begun a life with Christ, you have a reserve of power to call on for help to meet every challenge or trial. You can pray for God's power and love as you need it. When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit works in us to help us learn how to become more like Christ. His Spirit can be experienced by all and works through all. When you feel weak and limited, remember that God can give you the strength you need. In an instant your world can turn upside down; stand firm and know he will keep you on solid ground. The power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you; He will bless you with a second chance.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.
(Romans 12:2)
Copyright 2006 by Christine Ulmer
