New Year’s Eve Reflections
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, that you have brought me this far?”
II Samuel 7:18
As I reflect on 2019, I keep thinking about these timeless words, “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, that you have brought me this far?” (II Samuel 7:18). This year marked 40 years of amazing ministry at Joni and Friends, and truly, the Lord has brought me far since I broke my neck. Never did I dream that a tragic accident would eventually be part of his plan to strengthen special-needs families, equip thousands of churches, and shine his light on forgotten people in dark, back bedrooms. I never imagined any of this when we ‘opened the doors’ at Joni and Friends in 1979!
“It’s always been about Jesus and the hope and purpose he brings.”
Most of all, I’m praising God for all the souls he rescued for Christ through our ministry in the last 40 years. And, oh, what more will he do in the next 40 years?! Sure, I know I won’t be around for all those future decades, but that doesn’t make me less excited. And actually, I’m more excited. Never did I intend Joni and Friends to be about me anyway. It’s always been about Jesus and the hope and purpose he brings.
I often tell the story of a conversation I overheard a few years ago at Family Retreat. I was wheeling into the dining hall when a group of young volunteers passed by me.
I heard one girl say to another, “Who is that lady?” I had to laugh when she answered, “Oh, I think her name is Joanie.”
“Who’s she?”
“I don’t know. But I think she has something to do with this retreat.”
I still smile whenever I share that story. Those teenagers represented a new generation of young people, eager to jump in with both feet – and hands – to serve families struggling with disability… and they had no idea who I was. They had caught the vision (and they didn’t need me to cast it).
Believe me, I’m in no hurry to go home to Glory, and as long as God gives me breath, I plan to squeeze everything I can out of this quadriplegic body for the sake of His Kingdom. But when that Day finally comes – Hallelujah! – I will look over my shoulder from heaven and watch the Holy Spirit continuing to work God’s purposes through Joni and Friends. And from heaven’s grandstands, it’ll be me applauding the loudest as I cheer on another new generation! Until then, Happy New Year and on to the next 40 years of Joni and Friends!
–Joni Eareckson Tada
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