Moving Forward In Hope
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada where I love sharing hope in hardship.
And one of the ways I love doing that is by sharing the books I’ve read which have had a really good influence on my walk with Christ. All week long I’ve been talking up these books, and I’ve posted my ten favorites on my radio page at joniradio.org. Take a look and you might spot something you’d like to read. But the last book I want to talk about today is so timely; it’s very current, and as it concerns the world scene right now. It was just released a few months ago; it’s by John Piper and it’s called “Coronavirus and Christ.” Even back in February and March, Dr. Piper was sensing that this pandemic was not merely a blizzard in which we’d all hunker down until the storm passed. No, back then, he sensed it was going to be a long winter season which, of course, we all now know is true. I mean, who knows? This pandemic could go on longer than winter and turn into an ice age. Whatever happens, John Piper has written about it, and in the book he gives us assurance that not only is God in control – down to exactly where that little microbe is and what mischief it’s up to next. No, he paints an accurate picture of what we must do in the midst of it.
The first death by the virus was reported in China back on January 11 of this year. And now, there are millions of cases of infection worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of deaths. And there is no known cure. I was reading a few global statistics from the World Health Organization. They say that world hunger and homelessness is rising dramatically. And so are feelings of hopelessness.
It’s because people don’t see a conclusion to this thing – no closure, no hope on the horizon. And that’s why I think this little book “Coronavirus and Christ” is so needed. It contains wonderful lessons and reminders every Christian should cleave to when laid up – whether sheltering in place, working from home, or even when you have a long illness. The book is full of hope and hope is power. Present power. Hope keeps people moving forward; hope keeps us waking up and getting out of bed in the morning. Hope can keep us from killing ourselves. Hope is all about now. It gives meaning to daily life, even locked-down, quarantined, stay-at-home life – right now. It liberates from the selfishness of fear and greed – right now. It empowers love and risk-taking and sacrifice. Hope is for now.
Surely, you’ve got some neighbors or friends who are conflicted about COVID-19. And you may know people who are feeling depressed over this virus, and frightened about what’s on the horizon. And I just bet many of these people have yet to give their hearts to Jesus. Well, “Coronavirus and Christ,” this little book, it’s the perfect read to give your neighbors, your relatives, co-workers, or even close friends who are struggling during this season. Joni and Friends has a limited supply of this special little book, and for those who contact us at joniradio.org, we’ll give you a free copy, as long as we’ve got supplies. Use it as a way of sharing hope, God’s hope, with your unsaved friends and neighbors. I mean, who isn’t talking about this crazy virus right? So be sure to contact joniradio.org. And friend, stay strong, keep moving forward, do not look down, but keep your eyes on Christ. And as you do, may the God of hope give you his joy, his peace. And that’s your good word today – the hopeful word – from joniradio.org.
Let us pray for you at Joni and Friends. Our staff meets every morning to lift up your prayer requests. So, tell us your prayer needs at joniradio.org. Again that’s joniradio.org. Where we share hope through every hardship. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends!
© Joni and Friends
How can we pray for you?
Joni’s Favorite Books
Joni has assembled a list of some of her favorite books – books that have especially shaped her walk with Christ, refreshed her heart, and strengthened her faith. Take a look and find your next great read!
