“Count it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
In my hospital bed after many surgeries I was hurt, beaten, bruised, broken and I felt alone in my pain. I the beeps and constant noise from the nurses oust side my door I thought " Why? I have loved you Lord. I have had my moments where I haven't been the best but, I still tried. Lord why? My wife, my kids this is going to change everything. Oh God, I love you! Why this?"
You see, I had this great drum set that my Grandfather got me. It was a 1968 Red sparkle Ludwig in perfect shape! I was born with the ability to play music. Drums is my main instrument. Later in life well after coming to the Lord and using my musical talent to worship him in a band and at church I decided I needed (wanted) a motorcycle! So, I sold my drums and used the money to put a down payment on a motorcycle.
September 6th 2008, was a chilly but sunny morning. I was heading out to go to the Zoo for orientation to a job that I have been wanting for years! I was to be the reptile caretaker! It was volunteer to start but would lead to something great soon! I was on my way out the door with the keys to the van. I thought, "It's going to be a nice day! I'll take the bike!" So, I got the bike keys. Put my jacket on and started out the door. "HELMET" A feeling, a voice turned me back to get my helmet. It is not law in Indiana to wear a helmet. Off I went with a smile on my face and a spring in my step.
Down the road I met up with a line of cars. I was behind a van. The cars kept speeding up and then slowing down quickly. Around the turn I could see a little red car that seemed to be the one causing the problems. I thought little of it and proceeded to drive normal. All of a sudden the van in front of me was fully stopped! I ended hitting the back of the van. I rolled on the ground and came to a stop. I sat up and saw my right leg bent up next to me. I picked it up and put it back to how I thought it should go. People came from all around to help me. Here is the first blessing!
The guy driving the van I hit was a first responder! He had his radio and everything with him.
What a great person he was! I owe him greatly! He held my head and just talked to me. He let me know what was happening to me as I was starting to go into shock. The best thing about him is that he had love in his heart and it showed. Next, the person in front of him came and was a nurse heading to work. Then, in front of her was a volunteer fireman who was on the way to help my uncle teach and EMT class. While they got the situation under control another man came in a black pickup truck. He hoped out and said he was a retired medic and asked how he could help.
I didn't hear it at that moment. But later, in that hospital bed with me crying to God and asking why, I heard it. Like I hear anyone's voice. "Corey, this is going to hurt. It is going to be hard. But, I am here with you. I will take care of you. I always have. Trust in me."
We tried to keep my leg. After 13 surgeries and lots of prayer we (my family and I) decided that an amputation would be the right choice. We all really felt that God was leading us this way.
But, what for?! Well, to help others! To show others that it is God that strengthens me. I have used my love of Star Wars to help get this message out by a character I call the AmpTrooper.
It is a Stormtrooper Commander with a prosthetic leg! What a blessing! I have also started an Amputee Support Group that shares the Love of God and freely talks about the Lord and how he has blessed our lives!
So, as the scripture says; “Count it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
I try to count it all as joy for I know that the Lord has used this for good, in me and in others that I meet. I understand now what it means to "count your blessings". This has become my blessing and I count it as that!
In conclusion:
Freely call upon the Lord in your trials. Cry, yell, let it out! He is listening. Remember as well that God loves you and will be there with you to help you endure to strengthen your faith and help you develop perseverance. This helps you to mature in your faith. It also can be a great blessing to you and others!
Psalms 48:14 says, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”
So if you find yourself on the wrong road, don’t panic. Ask God for directions. He has a much bigger map than we do. (this line is borrowed from: Polly Boyette)
May God bless your rest tonight!
God bless and Goodnight!
-AmpTrooper
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