Happy World Radio Day! Tune in to hear Joni talk about how good God has been in spreading her radio messages everywhere around the world – even to Africa.
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and we are celebrating World Radio Day!
And there’s good reason to celebrate. God has used radio to reach into some of the darkest corners of the world with his good news. And he has also used radio to reach into some pretty dark bedrooms where people are languishing in discouragement, desperate for hope. Yet Christian radio brings them that hope through great Bible teaching and music. And I want to thank this station for being a part of the amazing kingdom outreach that’s changing lives. And oh my goodness, I am so honored that my friends here include these brief minutes with you in their programming lineup. I’m also blessed when I hear back from listeners – it encourages my heart to hear that the things I’m learning in my wheelchair and in God’s word are truly helping people. Like, recently, I heard from a listener in Africa who subscribes to “Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope,” on her podcast platform. And although she wanted to remain anonymous, I want to pass on her heartfelt message to you. Now, this listener lives with severe chronic pain, and she wrote:
“Nothing I do relieves my pain; my day consists of getting my things done as quickly as possible just so I can lie down to relieve the intense pain. I've been really struggling, praying, and asking – no, begging God to heal me. Then one day I started listening to Joni Eareckson Tada’s podcasts and the Lord just showed me how much Joni serves the Lord and how she looks for God in every situation. I've been truly blessed by the programs, and I find so much encouragement from Joni. Sometimes she speaks about her pains and it’s exactly the same as I feel, and I think, Lord, if you are able to help Joni, surely you can help me too, as I am also a child of God. And I just pray that one day I could have the chance to thank Joni for being such an encouragement to me! The Lord has used her to bring so, so much comfort and joy back into my life.”
You have got to know how much her words blessed me, right? I mean here she lives way on the other side of the earth and yet, through Christian radio, God beautifully connects us, reminding us all of the power of its promises to sustain those who suffer. There are so many Bible promises to which all of us can hold fast when life seems overwhelming. 2 Corinthians 4:8 promises that though we are pressed in on all sides, we will not be crushed. Though we are knocked down, we will not be knocked out. And then, the Psalms. God will be, he is our ever-present help in trouble. Hold onto that. And then Isaiah 43. God says that when you go through deep waters, he will be with you; you will [my friend in Africa, I’m talking to you], you will not drown. And then in Isaiah, God promises that he will sustain you and carry you and rescue you. The peace of Christ which passes all human understanding is yours. His grace will more than meet your need. And my favorite from Luke 12:32, Jesus tenderly says to us, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” I just love that verse, picturing Jesus looking at me when I’m anxious, and saying, “fear not, little flock; it’s God’s pleasure to give you the kingdom!” Oh my. Well I trust that our friend in Africa feels her heart strengthened by these hope filled promises. And you, too! Thank you for choosing this radio station where we all connect with each other and the love of Jesus Christ.
© Joni and Friends