(Devotional shared at the TILBC Team Connect on 8/17/2024 following a fiery crash I survived on July 13, 2024. Posted by request.)
Scripture:
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.”
— Psalm 34:17
“He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.”
— Titus 3:5-7
Reflection:
Life is fragile, and moments that threaten our existence can bring us face-to-face with the reality of God’s protection and grace. Surviving a near-fatal car accident is one of those profound moments that leaves no doubt of God’s hand at work. In that terrifying instant, when danger surrounded me, God heard my cry—even though I did not hear myself cry out. He didn’t just hear me; He intervened powerfully, rescuing me from what – apart from His intervention — would have been a fiery and tragic end.
The concepts of mercy and grace are at the very heart of our relationship with God. Mercy is God not giving us the punishment we deserve, while grace is God giving us the blessings we do not deserve. Both are expressions of His boundless love for us, a love that transcends our shortcomings, our weaknesses, and our crashes.
In Ephesians 2:4-5, we are reminded that it is through God’s great love and rich mercy that we have been made alive in Christ. Even when we were far from Him, dead in our sins, He reached out to us, offering salvation and new life through His grace. This is not something we could ever earn; it is a gift freely given by a loving Father.
Titus 3:5-7 further elaborates on this incredible truth where we see that God’s mercy leads to our salvation, and His grace secures our place as His heirs, with the promise of eternal life. This underscores the depth of His love—a love that not only saves but also transforms us, giving us a new identity and a new hope.
I sit here with you today with a new hope as powerful and as challenging as the new hope I experienced when I initially came to save faith in Christ.
The mercy and grace of God are not just theological concepts; they are living realities in our everyday lives. When we experience God’s mercy, we are reminded that He is patient with us, slow to anger, and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8). His grace, on the other hand, empowers us to live in a way that honors Him, giving us the strength to overcome challenges and the courage to face the future with hope.
My rapid healing is a testament to more than just medical care; it’s a vivid demonstration of God’s power to restore and renew in the aftermath of his abundant mercy and grace. As I have had much time to reflect on this, the words of Psalm 103:2-4 resonate loudly:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget all his benefits. He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion.”
God has truly redeemed my life from the pit, crowning me with love and compassion in the form of rapid healing. This is a clear sign that my life is not just preserved but also purposed for something greater.
This fresh start at life I dare not take lightly. In Luke 12:48, Jesus reminds us, “But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.”
God has entrusted me with a new chapter, a new opportunity to live with renewed intention and purpose. Being a good steward of this fresh start means seeking God’s will with renewed fervor, using this testimony to point to His glory and bring encouragement to others.
That means my survival and rapid healing are not just for my benefit; they are also powerful tools to share God’s goodness and faithfulness. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which many of you know I call my “anchor verses”: “Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Once more, God is showing me that my story can bring hope and faith to those facing their own battles, showing them that God is indeed a rescuer and a healer.
In this season of my life, I am also reflecting on how I can align my actions with God’s purposes. I am seeking to allow Romans 12:1-2 to guide me:
“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Reflecting on God’s mercy and grace brings us full circle to my testimony of survival and healing. My survival of a near-fatal car accident is a powerful example of God’s mercy in action. He spared my life, not because of anything I have done, but because of His great love for me.
He extended His hand of protection in my moment of need, embodying the truth of Lamentations 3:22-23:
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”
And I proclaim the words of verse 24: “I say: The Lord is my portion. Therefore, I will put my hope in Him.”
The rapid healing I am experiencing is a beautiful illustration of God’s grace — His unmerited favor poured out on me. Just as He has made us alive in Christ through His grace, He is renewing my strength and health, giving me a fresh start to live fully for Him.
As I move forward, I am called to live as a faithful steward of this mercy and grace. Luke 6:36 encourages us to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” I have received mercy; now, I am to share that same mercy with others. And with the grace that has been given to me, I pray it will empower me to live a life of renewed purpose, aligned with God’s will and reflective of His goodness.
My life is a living testament to God’s mercy, grace, love, and compassion. I have been saved, healed, and given a fresh start — all because of His love. This will be my guiding truth as I embrace each day with deep gratitude and determination to honor Him.
My desire is to take advantage of the blessing of this fresh start and live each day as a testimony of God’s mercy, allowing His Spirit to renew my mind and guide my steps.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Your miraculous protection and healing. You delivered me from the brink of disaster and granted me a second chance to live. I thank You for this incredible gift, and I ask for Your guidance in stewarding it wisely. Help me to live each day with purpose, fully surrendered to Your will. May my life reflect Your glory, and may I be a vessel of Your love and comfort to others. Thank You for redeeming my life and giving me a future filled with hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SDG
Words Matter: Refining the Conversation 
I am so grateful to God for rescuing you and allowing us some more time to learn from the knowledge He has given you. Romans 12:1-2 always has and again reminds me of how my life should be lived, to gloify God! I am grateful for technology, wihtout it would have taken longer to find out. Many prayers and tears were shed for you Pastor, me and Maria will be eternally grateful for your help, mentorship and love. Many more tears have been shed today but for rejoicing in God’s mercy and grace. We love you Pastor, and even though we are many miles away know that we are thankful for you.
In Him,
Rick Amaro
Thank you, brother! The two of you are an imrtant part of ourl ife as well. GRateful for you!