10,000 Reasons to Praise God!

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God… so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 4:11

Sharing hope through hardship.

It’s been the message of my life ever since Christ rescued me with his heart-transforming hope after I broke my neck. Since then, I have jumped at every opportunity to share that same hope with others who feel overwhelmed by their hardships.

I am fulfilling my life’s calling whenever I pass on the rock-solid answers to pain and affliction that I’ve found in God’s Word – even if I do it from my bed! Like in 1981 when I was in bed all summer healing pressure sores. That’s when Al Sanders and Jon Campbell of Ambassador Agency, the nation’s leading Christian media group, knocked on my front door. They pulled up chairs by my bedside and presented me with an amazing proposal:

“Joni, we are convinced your message needs to be on the radio. Would you consider recording a daily five-minute feature for stations across the country?”

I stared at them blankly. “It’s kind of you to offer this,” I said, “but I couldn’t fill even a month’s worth of programs, let alone years.” 

But they insisted. So, after much prayer, I began gathering a treasure trove of biblical insights on suffering, depression, contentment, and hope which became the basis for my radio programs. Our ministry offices were small, but John MacArthur graciously offered his nearby recording studio.

In May 1982, when I parked my wheelchair in front of the microphone to record my first Joni and Friends radio program, I felt the pleasure of God. I felt the same thing when I began receiving letters from listeners. People were being blessed by my messages. Plus, as I shared about our outreach at Joni and Friends, listeners signed up to volunteer at Family Retreats or serve with Wheels for the World – radio became a great way to ‘talk up’ our ministry!

That was over 38 years ago, and now, this month? I can hardly believe I’ll be airing my 10,000th program! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be strong enough or live long enough to reach this milestone. And I have enjoyed every minute. But it’s not easy. As a quadriplegic, I need extra breath and strength every time I record (I depend on your prayers). Plus, radio demands a ton of time. (Thankfully, I keep track of all my recording days and interviews in my Joni Planner.)

I hope you tune into the Joni and Friends radio program on your local station, or you can always stream the Joni and Friends Radio program at joniradio.org, or on your favorite podcasting app.

Because you will always hear me say, “Don’t give up!” The cosmic stakes are too high for you to cave into discouragement. The reputation of Jesus is riding on your response to your trials, so honor him. Trust him. And serve him with all your heart as you help us at Joni and Friends share hope through every hardship!

–Joni Eareckson Tada