Facing Death Changed My Life (By Jesse Soffel)

Just to provide some context and contrast. I was a believer before my accident. I was 24 years old and by most people's standards I was in a "good position". I was healthy, I was strong and athletic, I had money in the bank, a good car and a decent job. At that young age I had the “it could never happen to me mindset”- kind of like I was 10 feet tall and bulletproof.

The morning of Tuesday November 26, 2013 started like any other work day. Up before the sun at 5am. At approximately 5:36 am my world changed in an instant forever. I was in a terrible multi-vehicle accident on northbound I81. My vehicle was stuck by a tractor trailer, sent into the guardrail and then struck again on the driver’s side by a minivan.

I sustained a Traumatic brain injury, fractured skull, my neck was broken in 3 places, my back was broken in 4 places, a collapsed lung and a number of other injuries. This brought me to death’s door and face to face with my mortality. I've since met many of the EMT's, nurses and doctors. The first nurse that received me at Martinsburg hospital before I was transported to INOVA, was a believer and prayed for me as soon I got there. She told me when I met her later, how when I was being taken away to be transported, she asked the ER doctor what he thought my chances were. He replied that he did not think I would make it, and if I did, I would never walk again.

I spent three weeks in INOVA Trauma center, and another three weeks in Winchester Rehab. When I finally went to live with my parents, I continued in home health care and outpatient for several months. Obviously it was a long slow recovery process. I was basically like an infant, learning everything all over again. It forced me to rely on God for literally every aspect of my life.

This whole experience changed my life and how I live it in so many ways. This is ALL to the glory of GOD and for His glory. Through this time I built a real prayer relationship with God. I mean I prayed before the accident but it took this for me to really lay myself bare before the Lord. Thankfully this mindset of prayer has stayed with me. My attention to the Bible before this was more of the "check list" type. Now I hunger for deep study and understanding of the Bible. I've become more thankful. Not just for family, friends and church (for which I grew a much deeper love and appreciation) but for the things I took for granted such as - walking, tasting food, reading, and even being able to take care of my basic needs. It allowed me to empathize with others on a whole new level.

Through this all, God’s hand was evident. People all over the world were following my journey and praying for me. They rejoiced through the victories and weeped over each set back. I am constantly told that my life is a miracle (even by non-believers) when they hear my story. I share my story to show that it had absolutely nothing to do with me but everything to do with God’s providential hand working in my life and to His glory alone.

I could spend so much more time on this but I'll end with this. I would never wish what I had to go through on anyone but I would never trade it either. He has grown me, stretched me and conformed me more to Himself through this. He is faithful.