Someone in my church that has been dealing with significant medical issues for years gave me this book to read. I am often given books and some are good, and others not so much. Joni is well known and loved around the globe and I am one of those folks that marvel at what God has done to and through her. Yes, you read that right, and I am pretty sure Joni would agree with that comment. In this thoughtful book, Joni outlines her current struggles. As if being paralyzed in a wheel chair for forty years was not hard enough, now she is in almost constant pain and has breast cancer. Anytime I being to feel sorry for myself, or complain, or whine, all I need to do is look at the cover of this book and I will place my hand over my mouth and repent! My life is a cake walk compared to what Joni has been blessed with. Again, you read that correctly, I said blessed, for that is her take as well.
Throughout the book, Joni shares her fears, concerns, struggles and insights learned from her life. Her perspective from her chair is both challenging and heartwarming. No wonder this book is up for an award from the national Christian broadcasters or some other group that I cannot remember right now. It is really good and I highly recommend it.
If you are suffering, hurting, or wanting to grow in your understanding of those that are, read the book. Only someone that has lived Joni’s life could state the things she says and not appear to be ignorant of real suffering and pain. When I offer statements like, “It will all work out for the best,” or “God is in control,” to someone suffering greatly, these statements are of course true, but seem shallow given my good health, stable marriage, and relative prosperity. When someone confined to a life in a wheelchair, totally dependent on others for the most basic daily routines, and in almost constant pain, these same statements carry great weight.
Joni’s life has been a testimony to challenge those who are hurting to look beyond the pain and see God’s hand. This woman has reached millions for the Lord through her suffering in a way that most of us never could dream of. Joni has not only accepted her life, she has embraced it and clearly believes that this is God’s will for her. Testimony after testimony grace the pages of this book with real people that struggle with the question of accepting God’s sovereignty in the face of personal suffering. Joni, and through her ministry, countless others have come to this place; God is sovereign and He often allows great suffering to take place to further His work.
Joni would not want to have lived a different life knowing what she knows now. God has used her injuries and suffering in many ways to reach millions that I certainly could not reach. Like Paul, she glories in her affliction because when she is weak, then she truly is strong.
A friend of mine likes to tell the story of a particular group of folks that think they are the only ones making it to heaven. One young man asks an older one, “Do you think we will see so and so in heaven?” and the older man replies, “No, we won’t see them, they will be too close to the throne for us to see.” While I don’t know how all of that works out in heaven, I hope to get a glimpse of the back of Joni’s head when I get there.
That’s my HBDAO – Pastor Jeff
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