Faith Tested

Well, if the past month and a half is any indication of what this next year will hold, then I have to admit that I am a little nervous. I can't help but to be thankful for everything that has happened, for God has strengthened me further than I thought possible. However, prior to strength comes stretching. . .
I was in a car accident in January. Not only did I manage to total my car and injure my hand, but I backed traffic up for hours during rush hour. I am fine, as well as the other 5 people involved, but it has been a month of arguing with insurance companies, visits to the doctor, and numerous other inconveniences. Despite the frustrations, I want to share the amazing blessing God bestowed upon me in a very unlikely way. . .
I had been struggling with some issues that I just couldn't reconcile in my head and heart for about a month prior to the accident. I was praying moments before the accident for God to help heal my heart and attitude. Then BANG. . . He used a rogue car combined with ice and snow (see Jaclyn's blog for further explanation on weather) to completely change my mindset. It wasn't so much of a "life pass before your eyes type thing", but a complete heart change wrapped up in twisted medal, fear, and tears. I am so thankful for God's bigger plan and his ability to use "negative" events for His glory.
In addition to the accident, I had been struggling with the overwhelming feeling that the devil was coming after my friends and family with a vengeance that I had not recognized before. It was quite scary and I must admit, angering. I won't go into specifics here, but it has been an emotionally draining month. Through it all, God kept reminding me that He is faithful and the God of miracles. Regardless of the attack, He is bigger and has already defeated it with the death of His Son. He has shown me the power of prayer and the dire need in those who don't know Him. A verse keeps ringing clear in my head and I have clung to it for the past several months, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done. . ." Genesis 50: 20.
More things to share, but I will save that for another day. . .