Hear some more words of wisdom from Joni as she answers your questions!
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SHAUNA: Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope! Thanks for listening today. Joni, not long ago we invited your social media followers to post their questions to you. I know you love opening your heart to our listeners.
JONI: I do!
SHAUNA: And so, I picked out a few questions for today. This first one is from Pedro, and he asks you, “How does your disability get in the way of loving people and how do you overcome it?”
JONI: Oh, Pedro, my disability doesn’t get in the way, it provides a great opportunity to care about others, rather than just sitting there and waiting for them to make the first move. It’s like 1 Peter 4 where it says, “You should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,” and my Pedro, my gift is exhortation. Although I’m a quadriplegic, I can serve others by asking about their interests, rather than waiting for them to say something to me [and that may never happen]! Or I take the initiative, and I try to be polite, I always say thank you. I put the focus on them, rather than me. And so, I show the love of Jesus to them by being respectful of their time, or not grumbling, being grateful, or cheering them on, or praying for their families, and showing a real sincere concern for them. So, I guess I kind of just turn the tables. I let my disability be the reason for reaching out.
SHAUNA: That’s so great Joni and I have watched you do this, and I’ve learned that we can all do it, can’t we?
JONI: Absolutely.
SHAUNA: Well, okay, great! Now next, Nancy’s asking, “Do you have a question for the Lord when you see him face to face?”
JONI: Oh, what a great question, wow! No one’s ever asked me that! I think I would like to ask, “Jesus, when you were on the cross, suffering and in agony, what exactly sustained you? I mean know it was the Holy Spirit, but I would want to ask Jesus if he held onto certain scriptures for strength, and if so, what were they? I want to know. I realize the Bible says that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before you, but what was that joy? Was it all the people like me that Jesus was saving that day? If you would, tell me Jesus please – tell us – what exactly was going through your mind?” I just want to know what he was thinking about on the cross and what sustained him.
SHAUNA: Okay, here’s another question. This one is from Susie. And she asks, “Joni, how do you keep your thoughts from getting stuck in discouragement?”
JONI: Oh, Susie, you need to know that discouragement is one of the sharpest and most powerful instruments in the devil’s toolbox. And so, the minute I sense my mood is shifting, I know Satan is up to no good. I mean, that guy will do anything he can to make all of us ineffective for Christ. It’s why 2 Corinthians 10:5 says that we must [got that word must] take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. And that’s what I do Susie. I start recounting things that are true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and praise-worthy, like it says in Philippians 4. I start thanking God for big things, little things, everything. It’s important because I know how quickly discouragement can morph into depression. And I just cannot, I will not let that happen. I have to, I must by the power of God, take charge of my thoughts. Take responsibility.
SHAUNA: I sure know what you mean, Joni. That is such a great word. I just wish we had more time because this is so helpful to me and all our listeners! I think we should make this a regular exercise once a month. What do you think Joni?
JONI: Let’s do it, let’s do it!
SHAUNA: Let’s do it.
JONI: And I’d love to have your question. Just go to joniradio.org.
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