This is the account of how our wonderful God intervened to save my life and restore me {Susan Hilbert} to health after a nearly-fatal vehicle accident. To Him belongs all the glory!
It was January 16, 2007. I was waiting at the green light for oncoming traffic to clear, so that I could make a left turn onto Highway 65. When the other vehicles were gone, I drove into the intersection to make my turn, not realizing that the light had changed. Suddenly I heard what seemed like a very loud "bang". I thought I had hit something as I turned. I opened my eyes, and through the broken windshield I could see other cars stopped at the signal. I said, "Jesus, I need helip." Then everything went black.
The Lord did send help! He did some amazing things at the accident scene. For example, though there was no ambulance service in that area, an ambulance was close enough to hear the crash, and to get to the scene immediately. We were at the hospital in a very short time. A CHP officer was at the freeway on-ramp in Porterville when he got the call, and was there very quickly. Even though the intersection is normally very busy, and it was 10:00 a.m. on a business day, no other cars were in the intersection when I slid across it after the 60 mph impact! The man who tried to slow to avoid me was not seriously injured, thank God!
A photo taken of our truck showed the damage: shattered glass, the caved-in driver's door, and the bent axle. The truck could have caught fire as it slid. But it didn't. The truck was so mangled that my husband thanked God that he didn't have to pick out a casket.
Most of my injuries were internal: cerebral concussion, fractured spleen (it was removed), ruptured diaphragm, 2/3 of my stomach pushed into my chest cavity, and internal lacerations and bleeding. Though I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, only four bones were broken--the right clavicle and three ribs. The only damage to my face was a small cut above my right eyebrow. The best surgeon in our area for the needed sugery was available, which was a great blessing.
During the night after the surgery, my blood pressure dropped, and I stopped breathing. Three personnel had just left my room after checking on me, and I was fine. One of them returned, just as the crisis occurred! The nurse said he had never put a breathing tube in so fast in his life. Again the Lord intervened--there was no brain damage! Later, a friend told me that she had been awakened to pray that night. The Lord said, "Get up and pray for Susan. Her life is in danger."
God is so faithful! He had multitudes of people praying for me, including those on the TBN worldwide prayer chain. I was carried on the prayers of God's people. During the two weeks in the hospital, and to this day, I have never had pain--just some discomfort. Prayers carried me when I was diagnosed six months later with a blood clot in my left leg. And He even had people praying for us two weeks ahead of the accident. When they heard of the accident, they said, "Oh, that's what that was about." He sent a man I didn't know to suggest that I see a chiropractor, so that I wouldn't have back trouble the rest of my life.
At the hospital, I had excellent care. God even sent the nutritionist to ask me what kind of food I wanted.
It is now nearly two years since the day the Lord saved my lifre, and I am almost totally back to normal. Even though in the hospital my left leg had little strenth, I walk normally. Everything has healed properly, and my strength and stamina are returning. My back has no problems, and is getting stronger and stronger. The blood clot is gone. I have resumed my usual activities, and people say I look and sound like myself. I drive with no fear!
God's continuous presence, and His attributes of grace, love, faithfulness, mercy, and forgiveness shown through people and His Word are amazing. He is amazing! Ephesians 3:20 says that He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.
To Him be the glory and praise!!!
