Life can sometimes hit us with challenges so heavy they seem impossible to bear. Wendy Hansen’s story is one such example—a day that changed everything for her and revealed a powerful truth about God’s presence and care.
Wendy, a woman from Iowa, faced a series of devastating events all in one day. She lost her home to a fire, crashed her motorcycle while rushing back, and during treatment for her injuries, received a cancer diagnosis. The CT scan showed broken bones and a tumor on her left kidney. Remarkably, the tumor was caught early enough to be treated.
Her doctor told her something unexpected: the motorcycle crash actually saved her life by leading to the discovery of the cancer.
Wendy admitted that she had experienced stressful days before, but nothing compared to this overwhelming moment. Yet, even in the midst of such hardship, God was at work.
First, God is present even when everything seems to fall apart. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He is not distant or delayed but right there with us.
Second, God can bring life out of what looks like disaster. While Wendy’s crash felt like another blow, Romans 8:28 assures us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. Not everything is good in itself, but God can work through all circumstances.
Third, God sees what we cannot see. Wendy didn’t know about the tumor growing inside her or the danger she was in. Psalm 139:4 tells us that God knows everything before it happens—He knows the diagnosis before the doctor, the danger before the symptoms, and the rescue before the problem.
Finally, God strengthens us for days we never expected. Life can surprise us with burdens we never imagined, but Isaiah 43:2 promises that when we pass through difficult waters or fire, God will be with us and we will not be burned.
You may never face a day like Wendy’s, but everyone encounters moments that shake and overwhelm them. In those times, remember that the same God who was with Wendy is with you today—present, working, seeing beyond what you can, and ready to carry you through.
Just some thoughts,
