Tuesday, Sept. 28th Update from Joni

Tuesday, September 28th Update from Joni

The other night, I read Jesus’ command, “Take up your cross and follow me” and I thought about those words ‘your cross.’ I don’t think I could daily take up my cross with confidence did I not first embrace the cross Jesus took up. There is nothing sweet or satisfying to be found in my cross unless I first find satisfaction and sweetness in the cross of Christ — and if during the day I find myself lacking, then that’s a sign I need to spend more time at the foot of Jesus’ cross :-).
 
John Piper put it this way, “We embrace the cross of Christ first through faith alone before we experience the cross as the price and inspiration of our own labors to endure. We savor the cross first as the basis of justification before we experience its purchase power for sanctification.” That’s from his book Roots of Endurance I’ve been reading the last few weeks – I’ve drawn huge inspiration from the stories of historic saints that persevered through the toughest of trials. I need to remember their example: For the last month or so, I pretty much have been staying at home (no malls, no market, no church, and only occasional days at Joni and Friends). Yes, I have a touch of cabin fever, but Ken and I are aware that the flu season is upon us and being halfway through chemotherapy, I DO NOT want to battle pneumonia again.  
 
One of my get-up girls is heading to Cuba this weekend with on a Wheels for the World team. Another get-up girl has joined the Wheels team to India and is flying out tomorrow. One part of me so longs to pack my suitcase and travel with them… but God has me in this very special season of waiting, persevering, resting and healing. Besides, I’m part of the team anyway: I’m supporting these Wheels trips and the others (Egypt, Jordan, and Peru) in prayer! So please join me in asking God to get out his sickle and reap a great harvest for Christ’s kingdom. I’m loving reading the blog and praising God alongside you!