"When there is no light by which to read the music, those who know their God by heart play on." Joni Eareckson Tada
It's good to study the lives of those who know their God "by heart," and Joni is one of them.
She's lived over fifty years in a wheelchair, had breast cancer and covid, and suffers from chronic pain.
"Knowing God by heart," she gives these reasons we can handle suffering:
1. God walks with us in our pain. Joshua 1:9
2. God uses broken instruments to make wonderful music. 1 Corinthians 1:27
3. God is our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
4. God rewards our perseverance (i.e. what we learn on earth matters in eternity). Philippians 3:7-11; Revelation 2:10
Joni says, "Something immense and cosmic is at stake: a heaven to be reached, a hell to be avoided, and a life on earth to be lived seriously and circumspectly."
Only as we learn our God "by heart" do we thrive in the midst of adversity.
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These points come from Joni's book, A Place of Healing. Find out more about Joni at Joni and Friends.
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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
Amen we are still made victorious. Victory is Ours vengeance is for God
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration, Joni!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for sharing
ReplyDelete