You know it’s going to be a great week when it starts with Joni Eareckson Tada.
A handful of times every year, we have the joy of hosting Joni in our studios as she records radio programs. Having her here is always a highlight and sitting in on the recording session is one of the aspects of my job I most treasure.
Before the session started, Joni asked me to pray for her . . . she asked for strength, inspiration, and strong lungs to record the radio programs on the docket for the day.
As she then began voicing programs, the familiar pattern that emerges in every recording session, became evident again . . . Joni practices what she preaches.
In a program titled, “Learn Obedience,” she shares,
If you want to be like Jesus, you need, (I need), to do the same – learn to obey God through the things we suffer . . . trust Him; don’t be anxious, don’t be filled with doubts, be faithful, believe God’s promises . . . all of them.”
In another program, “Grow Your Faith,” Joni reflects,
Even though faith is a gift from God . . . it can be enlarged. Our faith can grow. It can become stronger. In other words, we can believe God more. One way to grow your faith is to look at your suffering as a chance to enlarge your confidence in Jesus Christ.
And, in one of my favorite programs in this next volume of “Diamonds in the Dust” titled “Faith Overflowing,” Joni shares,
You’ll often find me praying, “Lord, though the mountains may fall, I will trust in You, because of You, God, are my ever-present help in trouble. . . .”
So often, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, struggling with a disappointment or, just need some encouragement, God brings Joni to mind – He’s used her life testimony so mightily in my life, and in the lives of countless others, as an example of one who not only shares about God’s Word, but lives it!
