The Joy Before You

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and you know what? Every morning I wake up with eternity in my crosshairs. I have my sights on heaven. It’s just what keeps me going, because over 50 years of living in a wheelchair, it’s incredibly challenging, especially at my age, but I’m a little like Jesus who for the joy that was set before him endured his cross, so should I not endure mine?

Especially when I consider that hands down slam dunk joy that’s awaiting me? Oh, my goodness, my response to my wheelchair is accruing for me happiness on the cosmic level. So, shouldn’t I be joyful, even if on earth I may have to taste a small sample of the hell that Christ ultimately rescued me from?

Look friend, the Bible says that your afflictions are winning for you a rich reward for all of eternity. It means every time you muster a godly response to your trials, your eternal joy becomes weightier and bigger and happier and far more glorious, so would you join me in setting your sights on heaven, and living for the Lord of joy?