On Your Feet Again
I love Bible verses that help me to hang on!
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and often I find myself holding onto the Bible for dear life, gripping it in tears and with nails bleeding. It’s not that I’m getting tired of living with paralysis, it’s just, well, the Bible is such a powerful source of hope. My suffering will one day have an end. My hardships will one day be behind me. And something so grand, so glorious is going to happen on the day I leave this wheelchair behind that it is going to suffice for every tear I’ve shed, every pain I’ve endured. When we see Jesus, just 30 seconds in His presence will more than compensate for every trouble and every trial. Oh my goodness, that, my friend, is hope.
And it’s why I turn to the Bible; God’s word, like nothing else, helps me to hang on until that glorious Day when we will be with Jesus. Like the other day I found myself hanging on to First Peter Chapter 5. Verses 10 and 11 say this, “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Now, of course, I like the assurance the Bible gives that we will only suffer for a little while, and so I looked up the context. It is, of course, written to believers who are suffering. They are weary and worn out, and Peter wants to encourage them to resist the schemes of the devil through faith and hope, and to remember that there are other believers suffering the same thing all over the world. It’s like Peter is saying to suffering Christians, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping, but you keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So, keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ (eternal and glorious plans they are)! This guy will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, He does!”
After ruminating on that thought, I found I had courage to go on. Once again, what do you know, the Bible helped me to hang on. Once again, it provided just the hope I needed. And I trust these few short words help you to hang on, too, especially if you are going through a tough trial. And hey, if you are, please let us pray for you. We have a culture of prayer at Joni and Friends, and we would love to lift your needs up before the Lord Jesus, especially if you have a disability, or someone in your family has a chronic condition. We want to help you to stand strong against the adversary and keep looking forward to that wonderful Day (with a capital “D”) when all your hardships will be behind you. So, if you’d like prayer, then please let us know on my radio page today at joniandfriends.org. Just contact joniandfriends.org/radio and tell us how we can pray for you or your family.
Finally, may God’s word be of extra encouragement to you today! Whatever your circumstances right now, have a “cool headed,” “alert,” guard up,” “firm grip,” “put together,” “on your feet” kind of day! And join us in praising God for His glorious plan, and the fact that our suffering is only for a little while. The devil may try his best, but, or no, our great God and Savior has the last word! Right? Right! Don’t forget to share your prayer need today at joniandfriends.org/radio.
© Joni and Friends
