Running a Different Race

By |Published On: August 7, 2019|Categories: Joni's Artwork, Joni's Posts|
Joni's Run with Endurance Artwork

It’s no surprise that I love horses, like this friendly fellow Ken and I met last summer at our Family Retreat in New Mexico. Just spending time with this gentle gelding brought back a flood of horseback-riding memories. I used to love saddling up and running my horse through his paces. Often, I’d be preparing him for endurance races at horse shows. And I always had my eye on a trophy!

I run a different race now. No more reins…instead, I hold a joystick. And my saddle is a wheelchair. But the race is still about endurance, and as a quadriplegic, I’ve been running it for many years. I still put myself through the paces with disciplines like praying hard, reading the Bible earnestly, and making the most of every opportunity to serve Jesus.

The last five decades have shown that I “run in such a way as to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

It’s why I rendered this beautiful painting of a galloping horse that you see here.

The inspiration for this watercolor came from Hebrews 12:1, “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” 

And the race God has called us to run is far from over – Lord willing, I’ll keep running, growing and serving my Savior for many years to come!

Joni and Friends, in celebration of our 40th anniversary, is also running in such a way as to win the prize. Our ministry is poised to keep growing and serving countless more people with disabilities for decades to come. And you are part of this glorious race! With your prayers and gifts, you are helping thousands of disabled people and their families find Jesus, their prize. So, keep up the great pace, friend. Together, let’s make Joni and Friends our enduring legacy as we serve Jesus by serving the least of these for years to come!

–Joni Eareckson Tada

Run With Endurance Art Print

This bold painting by Joni Eareckson Tada captures God’s gift of power and majesty with the horse, reminding the viewer to “…Run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

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