Joni has lived over 50 years as a quadriplegic. In addition, she's had breast cancer and suffers from chronic pain. But she loves Jesus with a fullness few people can duplicate.
In her book A Place of Healing, she says suffering can:
1. Turn us from a dangerous path (Psalm 119:67).
2. Remind us where our true strength lies (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
3. Restore our first love for Christ: "Heartache and physical pain reach below the superficial, surface places of our lives, stripping away years of accumulated indifference and neglect," proving that Christ in us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
5. Increase our fruitfulness: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16
Whatever troubles surround us, God is always at work!
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Note: Point 3 in Joni's book is titled "Restores a lost beauty in Christ."
I recommend Joni's book, A Place of Healing. (Bible Love Notes does not benefit in any way from this recommendation.)
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: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Gail,
ReplyDeleteJoni has been my hero for many years. She has a depth of faith that is genuine and inspiring. She says herself that she wouldn't have had the opportunities to share her faith with millions without her paralysis. His strength is obviously made perfect in her weakness. Thanks for sharing her thoughts today.
Thanks Gail for sharing Joni's info.with usthis motivates me to really trust in God,for without it there is no hope for greater faith like this one.
DeleteThanks for sharing Joni's beautiful thoughts & for hosting. God bless!
ReplyDeleteGail, thank you for sharing these marvelous insights from someone who has consistently lived them out! Joni is one of my "sheroes" of the faith!
ReplyDeleteI remember first hearing about Joni many, many years ago when I was in my early 20's. I remember seeing her movie (and also reading her book) and she was, or rather IS, such an inspiration and she points us to Jesus! Thanks for hosting today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a synopsis of Joni's book. I really appriciate your ability to sum things up concisely and put it out there for (us) readers. Joni's words concerning suffering in a Christian's life really have "oomph" as we read them knowing she is speaking from experience. Reminds me of the apostles when they spoke as "eye witnesses". thanks Gail.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Gail! How I love Joni, and I pray for someone like Ken for my daughter's hubby!!! (I really do!) I just posted on your blog link up, but I would love to have your HTLM code for your coffee mug icon so I can center it. (I don't know how to center an image, but I know how to center HTLM code on my sidebar) Could you email it to me at juanamikels(at)gmail(dot)com? Thank you, Gail!
ReplyDeleteDear Gail
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great reminder how our Pappa refines us in the refiner's fire of suffering! Joni has been a great inspiration for me, especially when my life was drastically changed by Fm/CFS! Yes, what a joy if a couple shares their love for our Lord Jesus!
Much love XX
Mia
Thanks Gail....I'm a bit late at linking :-(
ReplyDeleteI read a Q&A with them recently as they are promoting the book. It was interesting to hear their perspective and honesty about marriage.
ReplyDelete