JENNIFER BARRICK Living in the Word
ON NOVEMBER 5, 2006, while returning home from church, the Barrick family’s car was hit head-on by a drunk driver who was going over 80 miles per hour. Jennifer Barrick, then age fifteen, suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures. After spending five weeks in a coma, Jennifer struggled through many months in rehabilitation, relearning how to do simple tasks such as using a toothbrush and tying her shoes. But Jennifer never forgot the Scriptures she had learned. God’s Word powerfully comforted her during a long recovery period and also had a tremendous impact on everyone who spent time with her.
The onset of a long-term disease or chronic disability can bring with it a set of unique fears: What does the future hold for me, my family, and others I love? Can I still be useful to God? Does God still care about me?
John describes a powerful dynamic for dealing with such fears: God’s love for us was demonstrated by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (4:9-10); we respond by placing our trust in him and his love (4:16). As we grow in our life with God, our assurance of his love for us is deepened. As that assurance deepens and expands, there is less and less room for fear. Indeed, when fully grasped, God’s “perfect love expels all fear” (4:18).
If you want to defeat the fears that plague you, grow in your understanding of God’s love for you
Jennifer overcame her fears about an uncertain future by constantly reminding herself of God’s love and promises. She also experienced the Lord’s care through the love of her family and church community, who came alongside her during her difficult recovery. Today, Jennifer still has mental and physical challenges from the accident, but she is an inspirational speaker.
If you want to defeat the fears that plague you, grow in your understanding of God’s love for you. Trust in his love, and learn to love others with the same love that he has shown to you.