Welcome to this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series where Joni shares how the Bible—the Word of God—has been the light unto her feet, her comfort through long nights of suffering, and the unshakeable foundation for her life. Through decades coping with quadriplegia and chronic pain, it’s the promises of the Bible that have brought hope through Joni’s hardship, and spurred her on to share the love of Jesus with countless others. Don’t miss this powerful—and, of course, biblical—encouragement from Joni on how you can lean into the Word of God in a way that will transform your life.
Do you have questions about God’s will for your life? Are you facing circumstances—suffering, disability, uncertainty—that lead you to the end of your rope? For these struggles, and all life’s moments and questions, the Bible is God’s gift to you and all believers.
Joni invites you, right now, to let the Holy Spirit lead you deeper (or maybe for the first time) into the Word of God. Pray that he will meet you as you listen for his voice and seek out his will in and through your life.
Join Joni and Ken on the adventure of reading through the Bible! Sign up to get our free Bible reading plan and monthly reflections from Joni. You can also sign up to receive Joni’s Scripture-rooted daily devotional.
KEY QUESTIONS:
Do you have a daily Bible-reading routine?
How have you experienced God speaking to you through his Word (the Bible)?
What does it mean that the Bible is “the sword of the Spirit” (and how can you faithfully wield its awesome power)?
KEY SCRIPTURES:
2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work!”
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”
Crystal Keating:
This is the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast and I’m your host Crystal Keating. Each week we’re bringing you encouraging conversations about finding hope through hardship and practical ways that you can include people living with disability in your church and community. As you listen, visit joniandfriends.org/podcast to access the resources we mention, or to send me a message with your thoughts.
Stephanie Daniels:
Hi friends, I'm Stephanie Daniels and I'm so glad you're joining me again to hear from Joni Eareckson Tada on our Heart of the Founder episode this week.
Over the years, Joni has pressed into the power of the Word of God. It has shaped her life and been her manual for living. In those dark times after her diving accident at 17, Joni learned firsthand, with the help of Christian friends, that God's Word truly could be a lamp unto her feet and a light unto her path. Growing in a relationship with Jesus, she learned to use the Word, the Sword of the Spirit, as it's called in Ephesians, and that's when she began to see its transformative work in her life.
Today in our social media culture, filters have become so prevalent. Filters affect what we see. People can go through similar situations or circumstances, but depending on the filter they're looking through, whether it's natural and of the flesh, or spiritual and scriptural, it often determines how one responds to those circumstances. The Word of God truly is the best filter. Let's listen in as Joni shares how the Word of God came alive and transformed her, enabling her to move forward on her journey.
Joni Eareckson Tada:
I recall years ago when I was writing the Joni book, I was getting some great advice, and I really wanted God to use my story to transform people's hearts. And so as I was organizing my outline, I showed it to a wise and trusted friend, you know, to get his input. He took a few minutes to review the content, you know, things I wanted to cover in my book. And then he said, "Joni, I want you to remember something. Your personal story will not change anyone's life. Only God's Word can do that. So always tell your story through the lens of Scripture." And you know what? I did just that. I made sure to tell my story using the Bible.
Powerful things happen when we employ the Word of God. Whether it is our story, whether it's in our prayers, when we speak with others, or even when our own lives need to be transformed. Things change, things happen, God's will is accomplished through Scripture. God himself says in Isaiah 55 verse 11, "My word will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I send it." There you go. God's Word accomplishes a mighty work in our lives. He transforms us through the power of his Word.
Now I certainly saw that happen in my own life. After I broke my neck when I was struggling, looking for help, I am so grateful for friends who gave me God's words. It started with 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 18. "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Because hey, back then I couldn't begin to understand the will of God. But God's will was at least clear in that verse. He was asking me to give thanks in everything, it was his will. And, uh, so, I did just that. I obeyed and I gave thanks for little things, small things. And as I did, God rewarded me with the feelings of thankfulness.
Then there was Philippians chapter 2, verse 14. "Do everything without complaining." Knowing that this was an important step forward, I purposed not to complain when things didn't go my way. Then there was Philippians chapter 2 verse 4, in which God was calling me to look out for "the interest of others" before my own. That was at first hard to do because I don't know, my disability insisted on being at the center of attention. Someone needs to turn me in bed at night or get me up in the morning, get me dressed, brush my teeth, empty my lag bag. Me, me, me, me, me. But in Philippians 2, God was telling me to think of others interests before my own. And as I did over time, my self-centeredness began to lessen.
Now, I, I share all this to underscore how important Scripture is when it comes to helping a person with a disability move up and out of discouragement and move forward into a healthy, happy life. So, the Word of God is central to everything we do at Joni and Friends. Best of all, it is the Word of God that underscores the sovereignty of God. Yes, that he is even in control of the, so called, worst things that can happen. Whether it is chromosomal irregularities, illnesses, or accidents like mine, nothing exists outside of God's sovereign oversight.
God's Word tells us in Romans 8, verse 28, that he works all things, even demanding disabilities, everything fits into a pattern for good. And Ephesians 1 verse 11 tells us that he works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. And finally, it is Scripture which has the final say on the Gospel that we give at Joni and Friends. For Romans 3 verse 23 says that all have sinned, all of us, all have sinned. We're all dog nasty sinners. And we've come far, far short of the glory of God. And yes, that includes anyone and everyone with a disability.
Romans 6 verse 23 states that the wages of sin is death. Ah, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ. So, what is our response to that? Romans 10 verse 9 says, "If you confess with your mouth that 'Jesus is Lord,' and really believe it in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Friend, that's the good news. That saves sinners. Yes, dog nasty sinners like you and me. And like, yes, many, many people with disabilities that we serve through Joni and Friends.
So, I really hope that you can see how Scripture shaped not only my life, but shapes the work of Joni and Friends. And it is my prayer that the Word of God will keep informing and reproving and correcting and guiding and leading us into the future until that day we stand before the Word of life himself, Jesus Christ.
Stephanie Daniels:
Man, what a good challenge this is for us. When we quote the Word and simply obey its instructions like, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." First Thessalonians 5:18. Or, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3.
It changes us. God's Word literally washes, renews, challenges, revives, strengthens, enlivens, and transforms our hearts, making us new. Scripture is the inspired Word of God, revealing his character, nature, and authority. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
This book is filled with the words of life, as Peter came to understand when he was asked if he was going to leave Jesus like other disciples. Where else can we go? For you have the words of life. Jesus is the Word, the life-giving Word.
The beautiful thing about the Bible is that it's the basis of our Christian theology, and we can meditate on it day and night, hiding it in our hearts. When we do, God is faithful to remind and comfort us and change us with the truths of his Word. The Holy Spirit can prompt our hearts with what we've read at any time to check us or encourage others through us. Our job is just to be faithful to read it.
You know, one thing I'm so thankful for is that Joni loves to read, memorize, and speak God's Word, both the Old and the New Testament. Doing so helps her grow in her knowledge and understanding of God's character and his calling on her life. That's why Joni and Ken have been reading the entire Bible chronologically each year for more than 15 years in a row. And they would love for you to join in!
If you'd like to be a part of this daily practice with Joni and Friends, check out our show notes for a link to sign up. Not only will you receive a daily reading plan, but Joni also shares her monthly insights from what we've read together. She and Ken would love for you to join in, and so would I.
Crystal Keating:
Thank you for listening today. For more episodes, find us wherever you get your podcast and be sure to subscribe. We’d also love it if you would tell a friend. And for more encouragement, follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. And visit our website at joniandfriends.org/podcast. Thank you for listening to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast.