Get to know Jesus and get to know him well. It will make all the difference in your outlook on life.
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with an answer to a question I’m often asked.
Maybe people think it’s extraordinary that I have lived so long and so well in my wheelchair. Or perhaps they see my smile and can’t quite connect the dots. I mean, here’s a paralyzed woman whose hands don’t work and she’s happy. What’s that all about? I get it. And I understand it, I get it. I look at some disabled people who are content in their afflictions, and I also wonder how they do it. And their suffering never lets up. So, the question is, how do they do it? How do I do it? How have I lasted so long? How can I be in a wheelchair for over five decades and still have a bright spirit?
Well, I’m going to let the Word of God answer this really good question [and it’s good because it applies to you and your suffering as well]. So, if you want to handle suffering well, first, hold onto 2 Peter 1 where it says: “[God’s] divine power has given us [get this] everything we need for a godly life. “When you and I suffer, God has given us everything “through our knowledge of him who called us. And right there is how you learn to live well with suffering. Get to know Jesus and you will tap into the same life-giving power that sustained him in his suffering.
But there’s more. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Do you need patience in your trial? Do you need endurance? Is it hard to persevere? Where can you find the strength to smile in your problems? God the Father has already blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Every ounce of courage needed; every little bit of faith required; every measure of grace and help and hope that’s vital to your survival; all these blessings have already been purchased for you and they are all yours in Christ.
Charles Spurgeon adds to this when he says, “The children of God have not only some blessings, but all [the blessings] they want. They are all theirs – all for time and all for eternity, but they are all in Christ. There is no blessing out of Christ. And the fullness of blessings dwells in Jesus, and in him only. And if [you desire] to be blessed, you must come to Christ for the blessing.” And perhaps the best blessing that helps us through our trials, the blessing we receive in Christ – that gives wisdom, guidance, power, assurance. And yes, even a smile. The biggest blessing from the heavenly realms, is the Holy Spirit himself. John 3:34 tells us that God has given us the Spirit [now get this] without measure. There’s no limit to what the spirit can do in your life, especially when you are dealing with a tough trial.
So, right there is how it’s done – though it won’t be easy. But you will have within reach every spiritual blessing in Christ. God has given you everything you need to live a godly life. And best of all? God gives his spirit without measure. And it all starts with a yielded-ness to Jesus. This is how to find your smile when you hurt. This is where to tap into hope. Believe the Word of God, believe that God has given you every resource, every supply, every means and source of power and grace through Jesus Christ. Help and hope, and courage and strength are found in your wonderful Savior. So get to know him, and his spirit. Acts often calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Jesus so get to know him and know him well. And it will make all the difference.
© Joni and Friends