The Blessing Of A Book

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I hope you’re reading a really good book. 

Everyone’s a good reader; some people just haven’t found their favorite book yet. And, I hope you have, especially during these dark, strange days. Back in March, when the coronavirus started disrupting things, we all found ourselves at home with a lot of time on our hands; and for Ken and me? We decided to forego watching the news on television and, instead, we thought it best to read a good book together. Which we did: it was a great one by John Stott. It was so good, in fact, that I decided to use all the time at home to re-read books by Elisabeth Elliot. Maybe I shared that with you earlier in the summer – how peaceful and settling, how calming it was to my heart and soul to be able to read how this Christian saint faced so much turmoil in her life, but she did so with such grace and composure and courage. Her insights really helped steady my own heart when life became unsettled and unsure during coronavirus. Reading good books, great books, has a way of doing that. Even John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace;” even he said, “I read the newspapers to observe how God governs the world.” And he’s right. 

But during these hard times right now, whether reading John Newton or Elisabeth Elliot, we can all draw courage from Christian saints like these. Reading about the way they endured; how they persevered; how they settled their doubts and pressed on through pain and loss. Reading their stories sets an example for us. And boy, don’t we need good examples right now as we look to the future. And thankfully, the Bible instructs us to watch the way others handle hardships. Philippians 3 tells us to keep our eyes on others who walk according to a biblical example. And Titus 2 talks about the power of example. And elsewhere, the Bible says for us to imitate, to copy as it were the habits of those who are godly, who are good examples.   

I know it’s what helped me this summer – reading and studying the life of Elisabeth Elliot again. I learned from her life that well, life is supposed to be a sober experience. God wired it that way. God intends life to be difficult, so look to the Lord to find your joy and contentment, your peace and confidence. And perhaps the best example to follow, speaking of which, is in 1 Peter 2, “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you might follow in his steps.” Yep, read good books when times are hard. And there’s no better book than the Bible. 

This coming Sunday is National Read A Book Day, so dig through your library of Christian classics and give your favorite a good second read. Think of those authors, those books that really shaped your early walk with Christ, and dive back into one of them to refresh your heart and strengthen your faith. Thomas à Kempis once said, “Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, Who said this?, but pay attention to what is said.” Remember, friend, it’s all about the power of example and following in the footsteps of great Christians from the past. And, hey, check out our own online store at joniaradio.org, because we’ve got some wonderful Christian classics for you to explore. Again, that’s joniradio.org.  I believe that reading books written by wise believers is one of the most effective ways to grow as a Christian. 

Let us pray for you at Joni and Friends. Our staff meets every morning to lift up your prayer request, so tell us your prayer needs at joniradio.org. Again, that’s joniradio.org, where we share hope through every hardship. 

© Joni and Friends