When it comes to obeying God, it takes courage to just do it! By reading his Word, you already know what he is asking of you, so stop dragging your feet and do whatever he’s asked you to do.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with three little words – just do it!
You know, if there were a contest for a motto or a slogan or a rallying cry for Christians who want to see this world reached for Christ, to see, you know, this world changed, “Just do it” would be my vote. I thought about it this morning when I received an email from my good friend, Barbara. I’ve known her since high school days; we both attended the same fellowship back in Baltimore, Bishop Cummins Reformed Episcopal Church. Well, Barbara told me in this email that she received news that she has lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the immune system and usually settles in the lymph nodes. Needless to say, I was stunned by her words. But then she went on to write. She said:
“Joni, around 7:00 this morning when I went to the hospital, instead of dreading the Bone Marrow Biopsy (because that can be pretty painful), I made a choice. I decided to be incredibly thankful. Thankful that we got a clear diagnosis; thankful to God that there’s even the technology to nail down such a diagnosis; thankful that I was greeted warmly at the hospital; thankful to God there was a technician who cared enough to get up early and put a needle through my butt and into my hip bone; thankful that my insurance approved it within hours; thankful that there would be a Dr. who could even read the results; thankful that I had an appointment for a PET scan and… chemotherapy? I was thankful that there were drugs sophisticated enough to attack the lymphoma.
It was an unpleasant procedure, but I did not allow that to deter me from giving thanks. I know it was what God wanted me to do, what I was supposed to do. I mean, what else could God possibly have had in mind when he commanded us in First Thessalonians to, “in everything give thanks.” And honestly, Joni, this morning, this incredible wave of gratefulness carried me through the entire procedure. I tell you all this to share what’s in store for me this summer – yes, it’ll be battling this lymphoma – but also in store for me… cultivating a Spirit of gratitude.”
Wow, what words! Oh my goodness, are those words inspirational or what?! My friend Barbara has a great perspective. She’s just, she’s just doing it. God wants us to be thankful in all things? Just do it! God wants us to say no to selfish desires? Just do it! God wants us to forgive those who have offended us? Hey, friend, just do it!
Your relationship with Christ would grow leaps and bounds if you and I would just simply do what the Lord tells us to do. So many of us, though, waffle, drag our feet, thinking that we’re not really sure what God expects of us. Well, if any of us reads his Word – even a casual reading – we’ve got to admit that we know very well what God requires of us. The hard thing is just doing it. But, oh, if we had the attitude of my friend, Barbara. If we approached the hard things in our lives like she has approached this diagnosis of cancer, well, the world would be changed. My world, your world would be changed. When it comes to obeying God, it takes courage to just do it!
And this is why I want you to visit my radio page today at joniradio.org to get your copy of “Bible Promises for Hope and Courage.” It’ll serve as such a great resource for your growth in Christ. I think I’ll send a copy to my friend, Barbara; what do you think? So, get to know what God wants you to do in life. Read his commands, his exhortations, and then, friend, just do it! And if you need some prayer support – like my friend Barbara is needing right now – then let us know at joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends