There are people who, when given bitterest lemons, make the best lemonade. Joni (“Johnny”) Eareckson Tada is one.
Joni Eareckson Tada
On July 30, 1967, this athletic 17-year-old girl dived into shallow water, broke her neck and became quadriplegic. She speaks about her struggle and depression in her book, Joni: An Unforgettable Story, and has worked to better the lives of the disability community. For those of us who also struggle and feel depressed, she offers hope from a much darker place than most of us will ever visit.
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Looking Inward
Perspective is everything when you are experiencing the challenges of life.
Jesus went without comfort so that you might have it.
He postponed joy so that you might share in it.
He willingly chose isolation so that you might
never be alone in your hurt and sorrow.
He had no real fellowship so that fellowship might be yours,
this moment. This alone is enough cause for great gratitude!
AS a matter of fact, God isn’t asking you to be thankful.
He’s asking you to give thanks. There’s a big difference.
One response involves emotions, the other your choices,
your decisions about a situation, your intent, your ‘step of faith.’
Looking Forward
Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future.
It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.
The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment.
It isn’t some broad, general outline–
it’s a long walk with a real Person.
Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices,
a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness,
brief victories over nagging sins.
Nothing is a surprise to God; nothing is a setback to His plans;
nothing can thwart His purposes; and nothing is beyond His control.
Looking Outward
What an encouragement to realize that God has
reserved you and me for a special task in His great work.
In His hands we’re not only useful, but priceless.
Each one of us is God’s special work of art.
Through us, He teaches and inspires, delights and encourages,
informs and uplifts all those who view our lives.
Faint hearts are encouraged when they read about others who,
despite amputation, spinal cord injury, or psychiatric disorders
have a vibrant trust and confidence in God.
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You will find trouble in the world—but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world!” Jesus (John 16:32-33 J.B. Phillips New Testament)