Hi this is Joni Eareckson Tada and I need all the hope I can get...
I'm not ashamed to admit it. Look, I'm disabled. Things aren't easy. And that means I thrive on hope. I love anything to do with hope, and it's why I love Romans 15 where it says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Did you get that order there? As you and I trust God through the toughest of times, He imparts even more hope, evidenced by joy and peace of mind and heart. A Christian who is full of joy; a Christian who is peaceful about his circumstances is the Christian who really has hope. He has the God of hope front and center in his heart.
It's why I keep a certain pastel pencil drawing on my art easel -- the same drawing has been sitting on my easel for over a year. It's a sketch I began many, many months ago, but I haven't completed it. It's a scene of a church in the woods, covered by snow with the mountains in the distance. I started it over a year ago, hopeful that I would be able to complete it in a short time. Well, it didn't turn out that way. Because of the pain I've been experiencing in my back, I've had to stay away from my easel for some time now -- holding pencils between my teeth and leaning over at an awkward angle to draw, well... it only makes for more pain, you know what I mean? But I find myself often wheeling into my art studio to look at the unfinished sketch that's still sitting there on my easel. I refuse to put it away in my flat file. Why? Because I'm hopeful. I believe -- I really do believe -- that sometime in the future, maybe by summer or fall, I'll be able to get back to drawing on a regular basis. And it's not wishful thinking; no, my artwork is a ministry -- and even if I can only end up doing line sketches rather than full-blown painting, well... that's okay.
I trust the God of all hope. I trust that He has given me an artistic talent to use.... to use for his glory, and for your encouragement. And so, I'd like to use my talent right now by sharing my artwork with you, in hopes of passing on the hope. I've chosen three of my spring paintings that the team here at Joni and Friends has designed into beautiful cards with envelopes. I'd love to send you a packet of these three cards for free... just to encourage you. Hey, maybe you need to experience God's hope today. And I promise you, these cards have a beautiful hopeful message on the inside and, of course, my artwork on the outside which, I trust, you'll find inspiring as you use your own talents for God's glory. So would you please write me today at Joni and Friends P.O. Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376 and ask for your packet of spring cards, or, better yet, you can visit me right now – you know, just circumvent the snail mail and get right online and reach me at JoniandFriendsRadio.org and I'll be happy to get my spring cards in the mail to you right away. These cards are really great to send to someone who is struggling, somebody who is looking for hope: maybe a friend or neighbor... they'll see how I've drawn these renderings holding the brushes between my teeth and I believe it'll serve as a reminder that God -- by His grace -- can empower them to rise above their circumstances, too. So these cards are a way of witnessing. Please, write or visit me today at JoniandFriendsRadio.org. Of course, you can always call and talk to one of our team members by dialing 1-888-522-5664. Either way, please know that I'm praying Romans chapter 15 over you, where it says once again, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit." Here's hoping I hear from you today!
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends