Hi friends, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a quick update for you…
A few days ago, I shared that this week I was starting chemotherapy. Well, the 18-week regimen has now officially begun and I am asking you to specifically pray for me. I don’t mind the nausea and I don’t mind that they tell me I’ll be losing my hair; and in a way, I don’t really mind that my energy will take a hit. All those things are what’s expected. But I do mind that the chemotherapy may weaken my bones – remember, I’m a quadriplegic, and I need to keep my bones strong. But you know what? They are doing such amazing things with chemotherapy nowadays – vast improvements have been made in just the last two years. And believe it or not, one of the medications the doctors have me on is not only fighting cancer, but it will strengthen my bones. Hey, I may come out of this chemotherapy a better, more fit quadriplegic than when I went in!
So that’s what I’d like you to pray for me about – please ask God to, yes, heal my body, but also ask him to use this specialized chemotherapy to make my bones stronger. I’m leaning hard on Psalm 34:19-20 where it says, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.” I like that verse!
The Word of God has really been a mainstay for Ken and me, but I’ve also been collecting all the little quotations, sayings, poems, and Scriptures friends like you have been posting on the blog. They are all a part of my journal during this journey. In fact, I read this the other day on the blog, and it blessed me so much, I just had to pass it on. Just listen to this, it goes: “I needed the quiet so he drew me aside; into the shadows where we could confide, away from the bustle where all the day long I hurried and worried when active and strong. I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled, but gently, so gently my cross he upheld, and whispered so sweetly of spiritual things, though weakened in body, my spirit took wings to heights never heard of when active and gay. He loved me so greatly he drew me away. I needed the quiet, no prison my bed, but a beautiful valley of blessings instead – a place to grow richer in Jesus to hide. I needed the quiet so he drew me aside.”
Friend, I can’t explain it, but it’s been such a blessing to sense the nearness and sweetness of Jesus through all of this. He has been my constant companion and guide through every medical appointment and every lab report. And I know as I continue treatment for this cancer, my wonderful Savior will strengthen my faith, stretch my hope, deepen my prayer life, show me new things in his Word, enlarge my borders, and increase my witness for him. What more could I ask for?! Plus, our ministry at Joni and Friends is continuing to grow, proving to us all that our programs don’t necessarily require my physical presence – and nothing could make me happier!
Finally, please don’t forget to check Joni’s Corner at joniandfriends.org for all the latest updates. And if you have any poems or Scriptures or special quotations that you’d like to send me – things you believe would be an encouragement – then please, by all means, post them on Joni’s Corner or send me an email through our website or a notecard to P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. And as you do, I want you to know how very much I appreciate your friendship as we journey together down this new road. Is it hard? Yes. But life is wired to be difficult. Life may be hard, but God is so very, very good. Again, thanks for praying!
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends