Through the Fire
I recently learned about Kechi Okwuchi, a survivor of a plane crash who became well-known after competing on America’s Got Talent (see her recent performance here).
Only 16-years-old, she suffered third-degree burns on over 65% of her body. She had to receive over 10 surgeries in 2 years and had to endure excruciating pain and trauma.
Yet not only did she survive – she thrived. She went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas, is completing her MBA in Economics, and is inspiring the world through her singing.
What has been her strength and motivation? Her family, friends, music — and faith. Those long days of recovery and long nights of painful insomnia, she learned to talk to God as to a loving dad. She poured out her cries of “Why me?” as well as her pleas for hope and healing.
Today she is an ambassador for all who have been through the fire of suffering in its various forms. She is living proof that God is with us in our tumultuous journeys and will turn our tears into praise:
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
So as fiery as the trial may be right now, know you are not alone. “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold…” (Malachi 3:3) – in the end your life will shine the glory of God. Listen to Kechi’s song “Don’t You Dare” here.
by: Jinha Kim
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14