“Suffering. [There’s] not much good in it. But it will teach you who you are. It’s a textbook that will show you the stuff of which you are made.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)

Joni Eareckson sustained a broken neck during a diving accident in 1967. After 56 years of paraplegia and, more recently, two bouts of stage 3 cancer and pulmonary hypertension (“I don’t even now what that is,” she says) Joni has drunk deeply of the cup of suffering.

As the months and years of my own life tick by I am taking sips of suffering. Only little sips, and from a tiny cup. But I am watching as many of my family and friends are being called to drink from a perpetual cup of suffering. Whether it comes from one of a myriad of sources—chronic pain, broken relationships, significant loss, unfulfilled dreams, mental health issues, or something else—we can expect suffering to weave its way into our lives.

That’s why I want to share this very transparent video of Joni Eareckson Tada as she talks about suffering.

What gets Joni through the agonizing suffering in her life? She says it’s Jesus. As you watch the video you will see how she can say with great love…

Out of all things I’ve learned about [Jesus], he’s so sweet, he’s so lovely, and he’s so worth knowing. He’s ecstasy beyond compare, and I’d much rather be in this wheelchair knowing him like that than to be on my feet without him. Honestly I would.

Joni also relies on the hymns of faith to buoy her. She shares some of those in this video.

Is Joni always perky, always joyful? No, indeed she is not. For one thing, sometimes she struggles with depression.

I manage my heart… I say, “Heart, you are not going to go down that grim, dark road to depression. You’ve been there one too many times.”

I’ve got to tell my heart constantly, “Go find Jesus. He’s your hope. He’s the only one who will satisfy.”

Bring your weary, suffering body to Jesus as you watch this video. Let the Lord restore you soul as you hear Joni tell her story. Go find Jesus if you seem to have lost him. Select a hymn she mentions or one of your own choosing. Look for it in a hymnal. Or go to YouTube and search for one by name or by a familiar phrase. Let its truth wash over you.

If you have a dear one who is experiencing unbearable suffering, share this post with him or her. Sing songs of Jesus’ love and grace and peace with your friend.

Go find Jesus together.

I’m praying for the  presence of Jesus in the lives of all who suffer. And that includes you.

In Christ,

Ginger



There is a beautiful hardcover book by Joni with the same title. It’s available on Amazon but it’s on sale at Christian Books for $16.99 (normally $22.99) until August 15, 2023.