An extension to John’s Story.
Jimmy Bingham talks to John.
I felt that I should revisit John’s story as he has yet so much to tell us. I have asked him a few questions.

Jimmy
Suffering! John you've suffered in many ways more than most people over the last 30 years. Would you agree, that God purpose is not to keep Christians out of suffering, but to 'keep them' in it? What has been your experience of this?

John
Yes, I was involved in a life-threatening road accident in 1981 that resulted in spinal injuries that left me paralysed from the neck down. Since then life has had many trials, discomforts and battles as I’ve come to terms with my ‘new life of challenges’.
I have asked God and many others have pleaded with God on my behalf to release me back to normal life, but it has not happened. I accept that it has not been His will to do so, but rather to prove to me that His grace would be strong enough to hold me and enable me to continue my journey of faith in Him and to triumph over life’s difficulties. I reasoned, what good would God be, if He was only there for us on sunny days and pleasant places.
My experience has been that God has been there for me in all my struggles and ‘dark days’ and He has given me faith and joy to live my life to the full. If, as some might say, my life has been more limited, I can certainly say that His promise to give a full life has still been true for me. The awareness of His presence always with me and that He has purpose for me, has given me great encouragement to persevere in and through every situation.
I would agree that God’s presence with me has kept me from the depths of depression and hopelessness, and enabled me to look and see that living a life in Him and with His help is well worthwhile and rewarding. Even although sometimes, it seemed as if trying to approach Him was like crawling through glass. I would finally like to say that verses in 1 Peter Ch 1. Vs. 3-7 help me know that it is God who keeps me and He is my Rock. I know that living through difficulties in this life, will somehow be to the Glory of Jesus. His promises are true and trustworthy.

Jimmy
Can you relate one particular situation when God's miraculous intervention helped you through?

John
Shortly after my accident, when I’d been told I’d never walk again, my body reeling in trauma, my head imprisoned in traction. I was packed in ice to keep me cool, with a fan blowing constantly. I felt life was coming to an end. I called to a nurse for water but my voice had gone...no response.
A few moments later a nurse dressed in a different coloured uniform approached my bed. She was kind and I could sense she had time to talk. Her name tag read ‘Rose’ and although I can’t remember much of the content, her hand in mine felt soft and comforting. ‘‘I suppose you have sat with others who are going to die’’ I said. ‘‘You’re not going to die’’ she assured me.
The pain and discomfort somehow eased and I fell into the deepest sleep I’d had for some time. With her holding my hand, somehow her presence was assuring.
When I awoke I felt more at ease and remarked to the ward sister that it was good of the Senior Sister to take time to listen to me last night. ‘’What Sister’’ she asked, and I told her that her name was ‘Rose’. ‘‘Sorry John, but there’s no Rose on this ward and there was no one at your bed last night!
I believe God had sent an angel to minister and comfort me in my moment of deepest need and despair. Other experiences of His presence during those dark days assured me that He truly is ‘the God of all comfort’ who would look after my life from then on.

Jimmy
How would you advise other people facing life-changing situations brought about by sudden illness or by an accident?

John
Firstly, I’d believe every individual is as different as their circumstances.
For many who have a personal faith in Jesus they may be in a state of shock, feeling they should have been protected from harm. I have to admit, I was disappointed with God when my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although God really loves us, He does not treat us as favourites, shielding us from harm. Still, He can be trusted to hold us and go through difficult situations with us.
It helps me to believe that the world is not what God intended it to be at the moment and that He can take the bad things that we go through and bring some good from them and when people acknowledge His presence with them and trust Him, it pleases Him and helps others see a God given strength to conquer adversity.
There are examples in the Bible where Jesus walked alongside suffering and distressed people and brought them peace and comfort even although they did not recognise He was with them. The couple on the road to Emmaus, the women who where first at his tomb or the disciples after the resurrection, all had their dreams shattered until they met the risen Jesus and their outlook on the future immediately changed.
I would tell people that Jesus knows about their problems, and if they ask for Him to come alongside, He will. This is the story of God’s grace. No need to be a church goer, or a good living ‘Holy Joe’. Jesus accepts us all and will help all who call upon His Name. Just a call; like a child calling for its Mummy or Daddy.