How Would You Respond?

On Friday, Aug. 20, 1999, Dave Bowers’ world erupted in a terrifying ball of fire. He was overseeing a process at the chemical plant where he worked when there was a explosion and flash fire that, while it only lasted a few seconds, burned at 3000 degrees. Dave was instantly engulfed in the fireball. He had 3rd degree burns over 96% of his body and was given a 125% chance of not surviving his wounds. He was told in the ambulance and the ER that he would die.

And yet survive he did. Not only did Dave survive the initial trauma, but he also found the courage to push through the countless skin graphs and operations that would come in the years that followed his accident. His really is an amazing story of survival.

Dave and Carly Bowers with Susie and me at a recent camp in Colorado.

But actually, it’s more than that. Dave’s isn’t just a story of survival; it’s a story of prevailing. I had the pleasure of meeting Dave and his wife Carly recently. Let me tell you, Dave is no victim. This is a man with a sharp wit and sense of humor, a man highly engaged in life, a man with two of the most piercing blue eyes I’ve ever seen. And, this is a man deeply in love with Jesus Christ.

Dave was a believer at the time of his accident in 1999. I asked him how the fire effected his faith. He didn’t even hesitate, “It’s made it more profound.” Dave told me that before his accident he was somewhat of a casual Christian. But after the fire his gratitude to and love for Jesus took off. Instead of letting the tragedy define him, Dave chose to lean into God’s grace even in the face of unbelievable suffering. The result is a man full of God’s Spirit and eager to brag on God.

Dave and Carly even go so far as to hold a party each year on the anniversary of the fire. They simply refuse to let this thing beat them.

I’m a better man for meeting Dave. He inspires me.

So, if your life went up in flames–literally or figuratively–how would you respond?

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

 

To read more of Dave’s Story, click here.