Pray before you speak, so that you might share words of encouragement with those around you. Ask God for the courage to share the Good News of Jesus!
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and it’s World Radio Day.
And I’m thinking of all the many listeners to this station who are either homebound, in the hospital, living in a retirement center. You know, friends like these are often short on fellowship; their circumstances limit their spiritual lifelines and so, a Christian station like this one is their main source of teaching and Christ-centered encouragement. And so, on this World Radio Day, I want to applaud the team here for all that they are doing to broadcast the Good News of Jesus. And I am sure it is why you tune in every day. I know it’s why Katherine does.
She’s a listener, and she recently wrote, saying, “Joni, [I am] on the go a lot, running a family business. I usually leave the office around 7 PM and my habit is to click on my car radio. Right at the end of Alan Jackson, your segment is next. [It seems you always have the right words for what I’m going through]; and even if I have already arrived home, I will stay in my Jeep [sitting in the driveway] and [I’ll] listen to you. I find you are inspiring and edifying, and I thank you for that. My life is encumbered with many obligations, running the family store and other interests involving my 93 year old father and much of his personal care. By the grace of God, I’m still living alone, [but] my health has held firm, I’m 63 years old and I take my 3 rescue dogs practically everywhere with me. [Anyway], thank you for your singing and your uplifting messages. Honestly, they find their way into my heart, so may God bless you and your wonderful ministry.”
Well, thank you for that, Katherine, and since you are probably sitting in your Jeep right now, there in your driveway, I want you to know how much your words mean to me, ’cause, Katherine, I picture listeners like you whenever I pull my wheelchair up to this microphone to record a program like this. Because before I share anything, I ask God to tell me what Scriptures he wants me to focus on, or what Bible passages he wants me to highlight. I ask him to show me the hurts and the struggles that listeners are going through. Honestly, I need God’s insights on all of this, ’cause when I share the hope of Christ on this program, I take it seriously. After all, 1 Peter 4:11 says, “Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.” Another translation says that “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.” Wow. And so, Katherine, and other friends listening, just know you are being prayed over, and know how humbled I am to have the chance to bless and encourage every listener.
But you know, it’s more than just me here at this microphone. It’s the team here at the station. And so, if you have been blessed by these messages, post a few encouraging words on the station website, or you can go to my Facebook page and let me know how radio has been a lifeline for you. Speaking of which, here’s one more comment from a listener. Her name is June, and she says, “My sister is 70 years old and is severely disabled with cerebral palsy. She lives in our local Nursing Home and enjoys your radio broadcasts SO much. What a blessing to have someone she can really relate to and minister to her. Thanks so much, Joni!” Wow, what a great comment! And I thank you, June. Hey, my program “Sharing Hope” is aired in lots of countries around the world, so pray for us as we keep passing on the Good News of Christ’s hope in every hardship. Go today to joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends