Joni encourages you to start the new year by making Jesus the center of your life, trusting Him to provide the endurance and perseverance you need each day.
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SHAUNA: This is Shauna on Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Here’s a good word from Joni on this last day of the year.
JONI: And it’s a word I’ve been thinking about as we turn the corner. I am one of the oldest living quadriplegics, right? And I cannot believe that God has brought me this far. And so, I am doubling down on the Lord and His Word. I mean, this coming year, I am running the race with endurance, like Hebrews tells us to do. Because I know I will have challenges with my health; this wheelchair is going to get harder; I’ll need more help this coming year. And my wonderful husband’s not getting any younger. I have to run this race with endurance – and that means leaning hard on “the God of endurance,” as Romans 15 calls Him.
You see, when it comes to endurance, it’s all about God. Because I know without a doubt, my endurance will be kind of hit or miss, at best. This coming year there will be times I’ll forget all about the grace God’s offering me. I already know there’ll be times when I’ll get discouraged. And there will be a time or two when inside, I’ll resent the extra trials; I’ll mutter; I’ll complain under my breath. Like I said, I already know that my endurance in the coming year will falter; I’ll fail. And so – now here’s the key, here’s the lesson – it is not about my willingness to endure or my ability to persevere – it is about leaning hard on the God of all endurance and perseverance. He’s the resource. He’s the one I lean on. Without Him, I’m not going to even make it past New Year’s Day.
And if you want to make it into the new year, make Jesus your everything. Join me in making Him the center of all that you plan and do. Have everything orbit around Him and trust Him for endurance when you feel you can’t go on. Let His power give you the perseverance to keep going, one day at a time. And do it with a smile! Paul David Tripp puts it this way; he says:
“You can bank on the fact that God will give you what you need. Your perseverance rests on Him, and He defines what endurance looks like. It is the grace of endurance given you by the God of endurance that provides you with everything you need – to be what He calls you to be and do what He calls you to do.” Now, there’s a great word for you and me. I mean, God has called me to be a good quadriplegic who will trust Him. And God has called me to do an extraordinary work – pass on that encouragement to others. So, there’s no need to panic. God’s going to help me endure, even in those moments when I don’t feel like I’m able to myself.
Oh, friend, it is a dark, dysfunctional, and very dangerous world, and it won’t get any better in the new year. So, be prepared. There will be times you slip up and stumble and fall; times when you think you can’t go on. So, lean hard into the God of all endurance. Better yet, get to know the God who gives endurance.
SHAUNA: Listening friend, as we head into this new year, join Joni, Ken, and me in reading through the Bible, starting fresh tomorrow with Genesis 1. Just go to joniradio.org and download our chronological reading schedule; and be sure to order your free Bible overview pamphlet. And, hey, while you’re there, check out Joni’s beautiful new planner. It’s a great tool for journaling, listing prayer requests, making appointments, and getting closer to Jesus through Joni’s inspiring devotionals. You’ll find it all at joniradio.org. And from all of us at Joni and Friends, may the God of all endurance bless you and keep you. Happy, happy New Year from all your friends here at Joni and Friends.
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