A 1967 swimming accident…
One day Joni was an active teen, the next a quadriplegic who couldn’t wipe her own nose.
For over 50 years, Joni has ministered from her wheelchair, bringing wisdom and strength to thousands of healthy and disabled people.
In the last twenty years, Joni has also endured "jaw-splitting pain" and two episodes of cancer with difficult treatments.
Joni's life puts my difficulties into perspective, and her incredible faith blows me away.
Joni:
“My affliction has stretched my hope, made me know Christ better, helped me long for truth, led me to repentance of sin, goaded me to give thanks in times of sorrow, increased my faith, and strengthened my character. Being in this wheelchair has meant knowing Him better, feeling His pleasure every day. If that doesn’t qualify as a miracle in your book, then—may I say it in all kindness? —I prefer my book to yours.”
We serve a God who is with us, giving us hope and light, no matter how deep and dark our hopelessness, suffering and pain (Romans 8:28; Romans 8:38-39).
Please take a few moments to pray for Joni and put your own difficulties into perspective.
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Quote: A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain and God’s Sovereignty, by Joni Eareckson Tada, copyright 2010. Joni's site: Joni and Friends
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for
Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. To find out more see 10 Reasons Why You'll Love Wisdom for Life. I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Good day! Nice post, the best.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely makes you thankful, grateful, ashamed and convicted all at the same time! Great post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and inspiring. Thank you Gail for sharing this story. Your posts are always an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDebi @ Adorned From Above
You did a beautiful job expressing how Joni has encouraged your faith. I read her book (the fist one) when I was around 17 probably just a few years after her accident. Her story had a powerful affect on my life as I loved swimming, diving, swimming pools and the ocean. I had also had a very serious accident a few years before that could have turned out very bad. She is an amazing lady because she has allowed the Lord to work through her circumstances for His glory.
ReplyDeleteHow do I find more information on Joni?
ReplyDeleteCheck out her web site: http://www.joniandfriends.org/
DeleteAnd simply googling her name will yield lots of resources.
But be sure to watch the video link I included in this devotion...it's so good.
Bless you,
Gail
I love Joni's story... Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDelete