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Friday, August 20th Update from Joni

  • By: Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Aug. 20, 2010
  • 32 Comments
  • Joni's Posts

Friday, August 20th Update from Joni:

My second round of chemotherapy is less than a week away, and this time, I'll be getting the 'full' dose (the doctors reduced my first round to see how my quadriplegic body would respond). Knowing what lies ahead unnerves me a bit, but I keep hearing the Holy Spirit whisper Hebrews 10:38-39, “’But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.’ But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” What a courageous verse -- it invigorates my faith, enlarges my heart, and makes me want to be "of those who believe and are saved!"

I'm also drawing inspiration from the brave American servicemen and their families who'll be attending our two upcoming Wounded Warrior Getaways -- Joni and Friends runs special retreats for our U.S. soldiers and Marines who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan bearing the wounds of war (and the retreats are for their families, too). Our Warrior Getaways are great ways to invite these men to join the ranks "of those who believe and are saved," so please be praying that the Holy Spirit will open their hearts and their family's, too.

Finally, today, you might find yourself in the midst of a painful ordeal and you, too, might be cowering. It's understandable -- we live in a fallen world and in this world, Jesus said, we will have trouble. But if you feel like back-paddling, don't do it. Please don't be of those who become discouraged and shrink back... be of those who believe and are saved. So join me today in holding onto Hebrews 10:38-39, for we should never doubt in darkness what we boldly proclaim in the light.

 
 

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32 Comments

 
Thank you Joni for sharing and persevering through all you have been through. You have always inspired me in my life helping me to reflect upon my Lord and Savior while I have had to deal with kidney failure since childhood and undergo 2 transplants (one recently) I have held you in prayer many times. I am just now reading many of your posts to once again remind me that God helps sanctify our pain and suffering and to not allow hardships to make us shrink away from God, but in fact draw us closer to the Rock who truly cares for us. I pray for your strength and endurance. Thank you for radiating the love and light of Jesus and helping the weary grow strong.
  • June 29, 2011
  • 5:32 p.m.
  • Suzanne Vogel
Hold on Joni. We are holding on with you but most importantly God is holding us in the hollow of His hand. Many prayers........for you.
  • Aug. 28, 2010
  • 7 p.m.
  • Geri Durbin
I will be having my second chemo on Monday. I will admit that it is frightening. Praying that you are well today and the next couple of days that follow!
  • Aug. 27, 2010
  • 4:52 a.m.
  • kel
God bless you Joni! You have been a source of inspiration for me for a very long time. I thank God for you and your Spirit-filled life, living out the example of abiding in Jesus Christ. I can't wait to meet you 'when we all get to heaven'.
  • Aug. 26, 2010
  • 11:32 a.m.
  • Sharon Cochran
I read your August 20 update on August 26. That verse in Hebrews is just what I needed, as I have been unnerved with some conflicts at work. Please pray that I would not consider the circumstance, but I would rather consider him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest I grow weary and lose heart. I'm praying for you. God bless you
  • Aug. 26, 2010
  • 9:23 a.m.
  • Andrea Carman
Joni, Thank you for faithfully shining the lamp of Christ, even through agonizing trials such as this. Words don't even begin to express what an incredible and courageous role model you are. I discovered your story almost a decade ago, and since then have come to think of you as my personal hero and Christian role model. You have such an artistic and imaginative way of representing Christ and what it means to be a Christian. I treasure your writings, and am extremely fond of the splendid illustrations which take you such effort and care to create. They are pure joy, and have helped shape my understanding of Christ and what it means to be a child of Christ! I pray that you recover quickly! Liz
  • Aug. 26, 2010
  • 6:08 a.m.
  • Liz
Joni, I prayed for you during and after your surgery and I will continue to hold you up to our dear Father and Healer. You have always been such an inspiration to me. I love you. Debby
  • Aug. 26, 2010
  • 3:13 a.m.
  • Deborah Lowery
And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it , and fear, and shall trust in The LORD. -Psalm 40:3 Dear Joni, I just jotted you that note and not only is Laurie's rash improving just via prayer(she had MRSA 3 mths in a row), but now you know she is in a coma, and now God (with a sense of humor) as I made a bird chirp (like my 2 Gouldian Finches in her room; Priscilla & Aquilla) and kissed her on the ear & she gave me a big smile and made 3 little chirps like I did! Now I can say that Laurie made a peep♥ THANK YOU FOR PASSING ON YOUR OPTIMISTIC INFLUENCE. My heart was cast down. God bless you more and more and more dear Joni & Ken. Love in Christ, Leslie
  • Aug. 25, 2010
  • 10:14 p.m.
  • Leslie Dawn Neagle
Joni, I have not been on your website for a while due to having surgery myself and I have followed your ministry for years by your broadcast, your books and painting and Christmas cards. My heart breaks that you are now going through this breast cancer, I know God is in control and when He looks down from Glory he sees a child who has been faithful and He says Well done my good and faithful servant. I will continue to lift you up before the Lord as you go through the chemo and recover. God Bless, Jeannie
  • Aug. 25, 2010
  • 8:14 p.m.
  • Jeannie Hickey
God bless you Joni dear one. I am challenged by your courage in the face of suffering. And know that you have invested in my life more than you'll know until we see Him face to face. He has indeed made Something Beautiful of your life.
  • Aug. 25, 2010
  • 4:53 p.m.
  • Lynne McCleery
 
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