For 50 years I have survived as a spinal-cord injured quadriplegic. But that’s a walk-in-the-park compared to my battle against stage III breast cancer. Less than a week after I discovered the lump in my breast, I was at the doctors for a needle biopsy. As soon as the results were in, I was in the hospital for a mastectomy. Then, after several uncomfortable weeks of recovery, I was finally able to begin treatment – five months of chemotherapy. It all happened so fast, I hardly had time to process what was going on!
On the night before my first round of chemo, I read Jesus’ words in John 21:18, “… someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Yes, that day my husband had to dress me and take me where I “did not want to go” – a dreary chemo clinic.
I felt absolutely overwhelmed. After all, I’m a quadriplegic. Plus, I deal with chronic pain. I often thought, Lord, this feels like way too much for me to handle. Are you sure you know what you’re doing? Where you’re leading me? Yet sitting there, hooked up to an IV with a steady drip-drip of poison being infused into my veins, I knew the answer: “Who have I in heaven but you, Lord? There is nothing on earth that I desire above you; My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (Psalm 73:25-26).
Whenever I’ve prayed that way, the most extraordinary peace would wash over me. And so, during the three-hour chemo infusion, I would spend my time reading my Bible or praying through my intercession list. Often I would jot notes of encouragement to others. Once the infusion was over, I never tried to rush back to work; I was just too exhausted to do much more than head home for an early night.
My battle against cancer made life go slower. And given Galatians 5:25 which says “keep in step with the Spirit,” it’s obvious the Holy Spirit wanted me to take life in very small steps. It happens to anyone who suffers. Everything is more basic, more simple. I got up in the morning and prayed, “What will please you today, Lord?” I heard Him whisper, Seeing you eat 45 g of protein before lunch. “And what will please you this afternoon?” Back away from your computer and enjoy my hummingbirds at your feeder. “And this evening?” Give the Food Network a rest and pray.
Now that the most arduous part of cancer treatment is behind me, I wonder, what will the future hold? More than ever, I realize how brief, fleeting, and frail our lives are. We are but blips on the eternal screen; wisps of smoke, here one moment, and gone the next. That means what we do in the here and now counts. This is what I must remember on mornings when I feel like “I can’t take anymore.” Every day we either nudge our souls closer to heaven, or away from it – there’s never middle ground.
Yes, it’s been hard. Jesus hung on the cross so that we wouldn’t have to suffer hell, but not so that we wouldn’t have to suffer here on earth. This battle against cancer means something. So if you are dealing with a bad medical report – maybe even cancer — hang in there. God may just want you to live your life in very small steps, too. Yet take heart! Remember that your suffering is giving you something eternally precious in common with Christ!
About the Author:
Learn more about Joni here – http://www.joniandfriends.org/jonis-corner/jonis-bio/
Helpful Resources:
Beyond Suffering Bible NLT
Where Struggles Seem Endless, God’s Hope Is Infinite
by Joni and Friends, Inc
80 Comments
Thank you for your beautiful, consistent life of faith. And for taking us on the journey of suffering and belief all these years. ❤️
Dearest Joni…I read your autobiography when I was a teenager so I feel as if you have been my friend all these years. Your testimony was so powerful and inspiring that it made you so real to me. Now to see that our life experiences are crossing these many years later proves yet again how our Jesus has been in control of our life from the very first beat of our hearts, and will continue all the way to Glory! I am currently 8 years into the BC battle and have been Stage IV for 7 of those years. God has blessed me beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of. Even in the midst of the worst times, His blessings have been so incredible that I can hardly express my gratitude with mere words. Praying for you as you deal with this current struggle and thank you for being such a beautiful gift to me for all these years. One day we will worship together at His feet! What a wonderful place to meet you some day! ❤
That was lovely to hear. It’s so true the life experiences can either make you bitter or better.
I had stage 4 they had a mix up but I did have breast cancer and mastectomy ten years ago. My husband had bladder cancer and chemo and radiation about two months ago. He has a good bill of health right now. During this time we have grown closer even after fifty two years of marriage. We can always count on God to put a new light in your life and make you grateful.
I’m so glad you have had seven years more and you can testify to God’s grace. Keep on keeping on and God bless you.
i have stage 4 glioblastoma , brain cancer. had a good surgery but it still continues to grow but pretty slowly .joni you are such an inspiration!
Joni, My God bless you and keep you.
May He make His face shine down upon you & bless your soul. You are an inspiration to me & others.
I feel somewhat of a sisterhood with you. I had a 1st surgery for scoliosis in 1977. Lome you I was on that “sandwich machine.” What an experience! I was the 1st surg. in the regular hospital since the orthopedic had closed. The nurses at the hospital had no experience in the “sandwich machine” & turning a patience. They were so careful NOT to strap me in tightly, so as not to cause me any more pain. They also turned me V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W-L-Y! Again hoping to lessen the pain. Well you know as I do both those things were more PAINFUL than being strapped in tightly & turned more quickly.
It’s comical to talk about now but not then as an 18 yo two hours away from home & family. Another comical sight was EATING lying face down but maybe not as bad as having to go potty lying in your stomach!
Things have certainly changed. My last of 2/dual surgeries were in 2008 in ATL at the Emory Spine & Orthopedic Hospital. There I was sat & stood up in the ICU when I hardly knew what was going on.
I love you last line in the above article the says “suffering gives you something previously in common with Christ.” I had never thought of the pain of 5 (total) major back surgeries in that way. I know I couldn’t have made it through with His love & comforting hands & the devotion of my family.
I feel my experiences have given me empathy for the pain of others & certainly made me stronger in my faith. I know I couldn’t have gotten through the medical experiences in my life without Him. I’ve experienced the pain of infertility but I’ve also experienced the joy of adoption. I’ve made it to the other side of divorce & I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.
God is my Rock!
Thank you for all you do to serve a living Savior.
Sister in Christ,
Welta Causey King
What a journey Welty. Bless you.
For the immeasurable comfort you have given, may you be comforted a thousand fold.
40 years ago, the Lord used your writings to comfort and strengthen my young husband, Steve Coyle (Glorious Intruder page 202)
I echo Welta’s response. In every way. May God bless you and continue your earthly journey in peace and less pain. I catch myself feeling alone, but we are never alone and it is nothing compared to the sufferings given for us by our Savior. I admire and love you Joni. See you some day.
I wanted to add my 2 cents. This lady is a hero, I hope one day this old goat is as smart, holy and Christian as she is in her time of need.
Beautiful, uplifting, inspiring and encouraging
Thank you. You will be in my prayers. Please keep us updated. God bless you.
Thank you, I needed this. Praying…
So encouraging and inspirational, and so true. Thank you, and may the Lord continue to speak to your soul. He is faithful God xx
Thank you Joni. Very encouraging. Also recovering from mastectomy. I live in Brazil and have read a few of your books. God bless you.
Joni. You have been a great source of comfort to me for many years. I am thankful that you were honest and open when you had your swimming accident.it was so real I could almost feel your pain.
Now years later you suffer cancer.. My granddaughter Tracy is 29 yrs old and just gone through chemo..and I will send her your continuing story..which is a voice of encouragement. Please know that whenever you are not strong and say so it echoes in so many hearts to be strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might, no matter what!
Thank you dear sister in Christ.God bless <3
Joni,
My prayers are certainly with you. You’ve joined yet another “club” that nobody really wants to be in, but the people in it will support you forever. I am just about to be “five years out”…that so-called magic number. You have been an inspiration to so many people over the years. I cannot hear It is Well with my Soul without sending up a little prayer for you and thinking of your life, even your painting with your teeth. And you will continue to inspire us…I heard something in the movie Jackie, that a priest said to her after JFK was killed….that we have to accept that we will never understand everything (something I seem to struggle with) or we would just give up. I think he said kill ourselves, and I might not be saying it exactly as he did, but the point is so true. We are here to serve God, not to understand it all. I’m so sorry you had to go through even more.
Peace be with you and bless you as you continue to show those you meet, and those who don’t even know you, the love we need.
You have always been a hero to me. I have loved your testimonies, your songs and your spirit. Now I will pray for you as God works another miracle in your body.
What an amazingly courageous and inspirational person is Joni Earickson Tada. She never fails to point us back to eternal Truth, to the Savior and to the value of a life lived by Faith. One day, I look forward to meeting her and thanking her for being an encouragement to her brethren and fellow strugglers.
Praying for you! Thank you again for your honest & encouraging words. God has touched so many by the gracious example you have set with your life. I first learned about you when I saw the movie of your life decades ago as a child. I continue to be uplifted & inspired by you. Life is tough, with death, disabilities, hardships, sin, & more. My husband & I planted a church 18 yrs ago, & 2x, groups of ppl have gossiped & slandered us & tried to kill the church, but God has protected us & His ppl – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31b) No one! They can kill the body but not our souls. (Mt 10:28) Longing for Jesus’ return, when there will be no more pain & sorrow! Till then, I thank God for you & other brothers & sisters who encourage & help others rather than tear them down!
This is such an amazing story from a true lady of God showing her remarkable strength during all of her life’s journey.. A story of love,, faith and a true trust in God. From her diving accident as a young girl to her diagnosis of breast cancer. Her strength and determination to conquer all of her life’s mountain’s and still come out with a wonderful trust in God is absolutely amazing.
You inspire me to take one more step..
Joni, I have been following your story since that fateful dive into Chesapeake Bay, and have always admired your spirit. Thank you for sharing this, and in such a faith-building way. Personally, I am praying for nothing less than your complete healing and recovery from this dread disease. He is able. May I send a copy of my own healing story? I hope that it may further strengthen your faith nd trust in the Lord. Steve McPhee Jan 15, 2015
Dear friends, and those seeking healing,
When Pastor Brian Mahood of the Selwyn Outreach Centre invited me to share the story of my healing at a Billy Burke miracle healing service, I was eager to do so. Briefly, here is my story.
As a Christ-follower of some 38 years I was saddened, but not terribly downcast, when I was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in Oct., 2013. When, after further testing, the bad news was shared with me that the cancer had spread to my liver, the surgeon would therefore not operate, and that I had six months to two years to live, that did rock my world a bit, for a day or two. My wife and I went home to pray. Soon the cloud lifted and we repurposed to rest in Him, seek God’s presence, and trust in Him for complete healing. We reasoned in faith together, before the Lord, with many praying friends and relatives, and parents and teachers from the public school in which I teach (Yes, teachers pray). Nothing had really changed with the more severe diagnosis. Truly, The Great Physician had been our only hope and resource all along, and we were content to have it be so. The up-side was; no debilitating surgery. And while we were at it, we asked for prayer that I would be able to handle the effects of the harsh cancer treatments coming my way.
After radiation, chemotherapy, and other hospital cancer treatments for a year, my caring doctors commented that I was tolerating the side effects of treatments rather well. Why do you think that was? I told them that a team of people were praying every day against the side-effects of treatment, and that many were praying for nothing less than complete healing. They considered recovery to be well beyond their expectations: unheard of, in fact. I sensed some thought I was in denial.
During that year I was ministered to profoundly by my church community. Among other acts of love and service, teams of godly people continually anointed me with healing oil, layed hands on me, and prayed. During this time, a number of our faith-community had come to the strong belief that it was not my time to go. I had a lot of responsibilities, ministry opportunities, and a first grandchild on the way. We reasoned that my staying here to live in Him would be to the greater glory of God. The deeply held conviction that the Lord would heal me, was strengthened in some of us. Strangely, some depression afflicted my mind for three months.
Now for the home stretch. On Oct 23, 2014, a CT scan showed the cancer still to be present. On Oct. 25, I attended a miracle healing service conducted by Billy Burke at the Selwyn Outreach Centre. Having viewed several evident healings, I was eager to seek my own. As the attendant called “Cancer of the esophagus”, Billy remembered me from the morning seminar and called me forward. He said simply, “The Spirit’s all over you.” Then, firmly taking my head in his hands commanded, “Cancer dissolve!” The ushers caught me and I spent some floor-time being uniquely in the Spirit. I was healed.
The next day I got up to read my Bible. My mind was clear and vigorous. I was no longer depressed, so, I went fishing. Next I had to get this new reality verified by medical science so I could get back to teaching grade four. All my doctors were delighted that I was feeling better. The MRI showed no sign of cancer on the liver. I next booked a gastroscope with the doctor who had diagnosed me with cancer. She was pleased to find no tumor: no scarring even. She took samples for biopsy. These came back negative in a very positive way: no sign of cancer or other pathogens. Extol the Lord with me! I am completely healed.
Thank God too for raising up Billy Burke for this authentic, caring healing ministry!
Dear Joni , We have been following your ministry for years. What a story you have and a message in Christ with Joni and friends. My son meet you and your husband at Trinity college in Chicago one time for a nice engagement with a picture with him and you both. He is a concert pianist and graduated from Moody Bible Inst. in 2007. His name is Alan Curtis Tripp. He remembers when you came to Founder’s Week during those cold winters the first part of Feb. in Chicago. Anyway, You have been through so much to say the least but God has used you wisely through wisdom of his word with your disability. Your breast cancer with the chemo treatments has been tough and we pray for comfort. We would like to share something that we feel God has sent to help the human race from sickness and has help me and a friend of Alan’s with problems breast cancer. Drs. and hospitals are using this medical device for their patients. Please email me at pianoact1@gmail.com with your info of contact so we can address this more and pray that this might be helpful to your health too. We love you Joni and your husband in the Lord. Praying for God to direct the proper way to please him and to always give him the glory by putting him first.
Hi Joni, I was enthralled when I listened to you in Salisbury Cathedral at the launch of ‘Through the Roof’. My father was with me then, now he is with his Lord and Saviour. My wife has yet to confess Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, but I believe she is close. My prayer for her is “Lord may Maureen confess you as Lord and Saviour before you end her earthly life”. She has been suffering with blood circulatory problems causing her much chest pain. She must rest so now; I am her carer which is a role for me that she finds hard to accept. Thank you for this opportunity to share with you and others.
I heard you speak at a small church in House Idaho in the late 70’s. What a blessing you have been in my life. I was in nursing school at that time …you gave me courage to continue and complete my training. Prayers for you and praises for your wonderful Christian pOutlook Outlook.
Love you Joni. You are an inspiration to all.
Your faith in our Lord Speaks volumes. Thank you.
Thank you Joni, God bless you. I reached five years remission from breast cancer last July, five months after I lost my husband of 56 years. He was by my side for the battle & when the victory came, he was with his Lord. My cancer was early stage & easily treatable (compared to what other women go through with cancer treatment.) Three families I know, lost their grandmother during the same time period. My heart went out to those families who lost a loved one & their hearts went out to me when I lost “Forever My Hero.” I’ve been a widow for almost a year. Loosing Perry was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured but God’s grace has been abundantly sufficient & from all directions God has sent “Ann’s angels” to help me (I call them “Ann’s angels” because they are messengers (angels) who bring the message of God’s love to me (Ann.) People laugh when I say, you are now officially one of “Ann’s angels.” They are God’s messengers (angels) bringing His message of love to a hurting/dying world. Joni you are one of those angels to so many of us through your outreach. God bless you.
Thank you Joni for your beautifully written words. They were a blessing to me. I am praying for you!
Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense! You are such a God given gift to us. Thank you for being real, it makes it easier for the rest of us to do the same. Praying for you and your husband. ?
Joni, your life has been a blessing to me. When I sensed God calling me 32 years ago, your life story spoke to me. When I was blindsided by hypocrisy, and my life spun out of control I eventually came to understand all of our necks have been broken. Spiritually. All of us have been disconnected from the Head, which is Christ. Learning to walk by faith instead of by presumption has been for me, as difficult as learning to walk on water.
Thank you Joni, for being willing to write your life story out for all to read. You sharing your life has helped me, like the wing flaps of geese flying south in a “V” formation helps lift those coming behind them. For we are souls migrating to the promised Promise Land.
I love you Joni! You always lead me to Jesus <3 Praying for you <3
Joni…you are and have always been a positive inspiration to me. As I read your post tonight I feel you get it. You know exactly how I felt when I sat in my first chemo treatment just 3 weeks ago. I am confident God’s got this and He has given me comfort yet there are days I have doubts and am down right scared. He tells us to pray boldly and I have. I am asking God for a miracle. I go in for my 2nd chemo tomorrow with 4 more to go after tomorrow. It’s felt so wonder to feel so good this last week and now I start this whole ordeal all over again. You have proven that you, with God by your side, can get through anything. Thanks for your encouragement tonight as I anticipate what tomorrow holds. I will pray for your healing with the cancer. Please know that you are thought about fondly!
Blessings, Tinz
Dear Joni, Thank you for putting my mind in perspective!! I have been in tears for having such a long journey back to walking again. I feel so ungrateful as I read your story of yet another obstacle for you to overcome. I have had God show me over and over again of His being there by me along my journey. My niece and nephew have been fighting cancer since 18 months and 6 months. God has done amazing things in their young lives. I have a friend who fought cancer and died. So God is in total control of our lives and it is up to us how we choose to live it. I will certainly pray for you and share your latest with my Bible study group! Thank you for your story!!
Dear Joni, was presented with your book for my birthday, while in college… In mid fifty now!!!! You have been an inspiration to me, for sure, and for hundreds of thousands of girls .. both young and old. Thank you for being YOU!!! Whispered a prayer for you and will continue to do so…. Love & God bless….. Nishi Viegas, Bangalore, India
Joni, I hope to be among those who are in line to meet you. I am sorry I missed your sharing when you were in Portland, Oregon. I know you blessed those who were there. I want to acknowledge and send appreciation to your dedicated husband. I am ten years older than you, I lived in Ct. when you had your mishap. I praise God for all the countless deeds and words of encouragement you have given, all due to our loving Savior. Thank you, it will be a wonderful day when we will all sing and shout together, thanking our Wonderful Savior.
Joni you give me so much strength each day I cannot thank you enough. I know you go through so much more then I do but some days are so black that I can barely breath. Praying and thinking of your strength helps me. God bless you, your husband and ministry and thank you from my heart.
Soaking in all that has been shared by you and all those who have responded helps me to hold still and allow Jesus to dress me in His Life. I believe you’ve all experienced this. I believe you’ve all experienced His love, joy and healing as result. Whatever our temporary hardships we’ve all experienced more than enough of Gods love to joyfully rest in Him. Thank you all….you are faith builders!
So inspired by you. I too had a journey with breast cancer last year. Chemo,double mastectomy and reconstruction, I am on the way to recovery. Please check out the series on “The Truth about Cancer” by Ty Bollinger. I only wish I had this information a year ago. I would have taken a different journey…Blessing to you..
Dear Ann, I’ll be praying for you. I was diagnosed with BC April 2012. I don’t know why, well yes I do, why God chose to heal my cancer without chemo and only radiation. I read Ty Bollinger’s book, in fact I’m in one of his books as he heard my miracle: I changed my diet eating pure garden foods only and the aggressive Her 2 cancer regressed to the point that the oncologist said I didn’t need the chemo he was prescribing. He called me a miracle. I am learning that we each have a different cancer journey. Some of us are healed through chemo and some are healed by change of diet. Along with prayers and forgiving all offense. I thank the Lord for each day He gives me as only He decides how long we shall be here before we join Him. If He keeps us here, that means we still have His work to do and He is still doing a work in us. I know a Christian lady who has survived stage 4 colon cancer doing chemo. That is the route she felt to take and God healed her. Love to you.
Joni dear, you have so encouraged my heart and walk with God over many years! I listened to “Joni and Friends” forever. I, too, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, had double mastectomy, 6 months of Chemo and 5 years of drugs! But you were my hero, your testimony was amazing and heart rending. Praying for you today and thanking God for your living testimony!
Favorite Scripture: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct you.
Joni, The past 8 years has been tough for me but after reading your testimony and strong faith in God I no longer feel alone. My life verse is “I can do all things through Christ which strengths me.” God Bless…
For all the comfort that you have, you receive 1000 fold.
40 years ago the Lord used you to comfort and strength and my young quadriplegic husband, Steve Coyle. (Glorious Intruder page 202)
Love and blessings Joni
Thank you for your encouragement! You have meant soo much to me over the years! I named my mom after you after she became a quad from an accident in 2002; I called her my “Geriatric Joni” because she loved reading your encouraging words and also had such a positive, God honoring attitude about her life. Thank you for continuing to encourage us all in the midst of your hard life. May God bless you!
Joni, you have been a wonderful inspiration to me foot so many years. I also listen to Joni and friends on the radio, and experience the joy of sending your beautiful, miraculous Christmas card pictures. I use your story and experiences in my jail ministry and just praise the Lord for you and your husbands ministry. May the Lord heal your cancer and take away all your pain. He has healed me from breast cancer and kidney and bladder infections, and rashes from nerves and so many things. HThe Lord is a wonderful miraculous healer and Saviour. One of my favorite Bible scriptures says “the Lord inhabits the praises of his people.”Thank you for all your wonderful songs, life sharing and encouragement to so many people. I love you in Christ.
Joni, the Lord created you for such heavenly purposes. You are gifted in so many ways and use each of those gifts to glorify the Lord. You spur us on to a deeper relationship with the Lord as you share your faith and experiences with us. May the Lord continue to bless the ministry that He has called you to. I look forward to meeting you in heaven one day!
I am 56 and still hum your song four feet 11 and I’m goin to Heaven and feel like I’m ten feet tall!
Romans 5:3-5King James Version (KJV)
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
My friend sent me your blog after I revealed my own BC diagnosis stage 3. I don’t want to suffer and have been a care giver for my mom, son and dad. I am a terrible patient. But reading your blog has encouraged me to not waste my pain. It’s for His glory. Thank you Joni. May God continue to bless you and your family and use you to encourage so many others.
Joni, thank you for sharing your experience. You have been an inspiration for me for many years. I read your book too when I was a teen. I’ve had chronic pain since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 20 years ago. Whenever I have pain, I think about how much worse your pain is & the great faith that you have & it keeps me going. When both of my grown daughters died tragically within 7 months of each other 2 years ago it was my faith in our Lord & prayers from everyone that have helped me get this far. I’ve been praying for you & your ministries for many years now because I believe in the work that you do. God Bless You Joni.
You life has been an example of Christ to ALL! You have blessed all of us who suffer continually and have given God the glory! Christlikeness should be every Christians GOAL and I believe that suffering brings that about. Thanks for being the great example of that to the world. PRAYING dear one for you! Marsha Harrup
“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; To added affiction He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, He multiplied peace. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!”
Reading your testimony, this song came to mind. Surely God has proved its truth in your experiences through this added affliction! God bless you with His highest best blessings as you continue to serve Him in adverse circumstances. With love and prayers,
Joni, You and I are the same age. I read your autobiography in college and it was an early step in my personal journey with Jesus Christ. I thought it was SO awesome and YOU inspired me! I have kept up with your ministry over the years and have continued to be inspired by your faith and your humility. God bless you, dear Joni! Heading to go pray for you in this new journey of yours and that it will soon be just a memory for you! Hugs and prayers.
Prayers are with you in your health journey. Please take time to google Gerson Therapy, it’s truly one of Gods answered remedies to health challenges today.
Dear Joni,
Your unique journey, your life, your ministry, your books, your art, and mostly your joy in the tough have touched our family in so many ways! In the 70’s my husband’s mom was given three weeks to live due to the football sized cancer in her abdomen. But, like you, she beat all the odds and lived and lived well, but it wasn’t easy! In the meantime, my husband heard for the first time what it means to have a relationship with God, and accepted Christ. Soon after, his mom began watching your videos and even heard you speak in person! She cried and cried, she was so moved. Thirty five years after her initial diagnosis, she headed on to heaven, in part due to your testimony. We’re so thankful! My husband and I also heard you sing in the crowd of 50,000 in the olympic stadium in Moscow in 1992. It was so powerful in those days after communism fell for the Russians to see you living with joy and dignity in the face of disability. Our paths have crossed in other ways as well, but I just wanted to thank you for your vibrant witness. I join so many in praying for healing yet again!
The courage you continue to show shares the unmeasurable grace of God helping us to be able to face every situation. Special prayers for healing begin. May holy angels bring strength, comfort and peace.
Thank you so much Joni for your testimony from the first accident till now, you have been an inspiration to me ever since I heard your story ,50 years ago. I saw the film and cried nearly all the way through it. I broke my back diving over 50 years ago . I have suffered all my life but never looked back. I have followed your story all these years . I wasn’t paralyzed but never gave up. My wife and I have been missionaries for 56 years and are still going at 77 and 78 years of age. We are with the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission working with the Natives ( Indians).My life story is North and Beyond written by Bernard Palmer,who used to write for Back to the bible Broadcast, You may remember the Danny Orless stories. Campus Crusade did have it on line. I am an artist too and have seen some of your work , you do a great job. Cathy my wife just had a mastectomy at 76, she is doing great,we realize every day is a gift from God . We will continue to pray for you and your husband,be strong and keep looking up,Love and prayers Carroll and Cathy Hill.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ken, and your loving family who will battle this alongside you. I’m know you have thousands of prayer warriors banging on the doors of heaven on your behalf. His “Spirit Wings” will continue to lift you over all the earthbound things. He’s got you.
With much love, and hope in Christ, from the staff and volunteers of VOAR Radio, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ken, and your loving family who will battle this alongside you. I know you have thousands of prayer warriors banging on the doors of heaven on your behalf. His “Spirit Wings” will continue to lift you over all the earthbound things. He’s got you.
With much love, and hope in Christ, from the staff and volunteers of VOAR Radio, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Sometimes life just doesnt seem fair. That our “suffering cup is filled to over flowing”. AND THEN GOD walks us through yet another valley our strength is insufficient to handle. Praying that God overwhelms you with His infinate love and grace Joni. Praying for healing and joy.
Hi again Joni!
I so appreciated your story of healing from breast cancer. You have been a part of of my life for many years through your books and your last book on healing was life changing for me. I had met you on an Alaska Cruise a few years ago and you were so kind and took my name and address and mailed your book to me with a lovely letter. Thank you so much!
I was in a plane accident many years ago and have had many surgeries and even walked and worked for twenty years in Healing Ministries at my church. Pain and many sleepless nights have been a longtime part of my story and I was having a problem deeply understanding why. That is, until I read your book and you said clearly, God has every right to say, no, to our request for healing and it really clearly made sense to me for the first time. Since then I have given your book to many people who were struggling with similar issues. I am now using a motorized wheelchair when I am out of the house, because of my lack of balance and inability to walk very far, but I am grateful for all of the years I did walk and am at peace with my struggle now. God is good; all the time; praise His Holy Name! Thank you again, Joni
God bless you Joni. I have followed you many years and know that God is with you. May you find peace and strength in this storm.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer over 2 years ago. After the whole slash, burn and poison treatment, I am dealing with a “new normal” that frustrated me. Thank you for posting this. It helps a lot to know that God must mean that He wants me to live life at a different pace. As for the residual pain, His grace truly is sufficient.
Having experienced cancer twice, I know how devastating that diagnosis can be. But I also know that our God is the God of impossibilities and there is nothing that He cannot do. Joni, you have been an inspiration to me over the years and you have encouraged me to believe that God can do all things. Tonight I claim for you Psalm 103: 1-5 “Praise the Lord, Oh my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name. Praise the Lord; oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits — Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” I will praise Him as He continues to perform His miracles in your life and as He continues to use you to glorify Him. I know He cares for you!
Such inspiring testimonies.
Ruth Forbus
ruthieforbus@gmail.com
Dear Joni,
You and Corrie tenBoom have been my greatest inspirations in your journeys through life! You both have amazed me how you fought through so much heartache, pain, suffering, disappointment, struggles, etc. More than most people have had to endure. But it doesn’t stop there! You both persevered through it all, giving God all the glory for every little accomplishment, and praising Him even in the most difficult times! My family has had several hard times as my children were growing up. We were on our knees everyday pleading for answers and breakthroughs! I often thought of you two! He has brought us a long way and we praise Him everyday for our grown children and young grandchildren following the Lord!
Thank you for your great inspiration to millions of people through your radio program, your writings and paintings, and your ministry to the disabled (retreats, wheelchairs, etc.) You have such a sweet spirit and I would love to meet you personally. (I almost got to at Spruce Lake Camp in the Poconos. I was the nurse at the Wilderness Camp, but missed you!)
May the Lord continue to bless you richly. You are in my prayers!
Joni, speaking love and mercy to you especially from my mother, Gene Wilson, a pastor’s wife and musician who slipped into God’s presence a few weeks ago joining my father, Pastor Ralph Wilson. She was deeply fond of you and prayed for you daily for decades . . . and I’m sure she and Dad continue praying and watching over you now from that “great cloud” of witnesses, all those who have gone before us. Met you only once, sat just behind you at a conference where we listened to Edith Schaeffer (San Diego) and happily helped you pick up a book that had fallen to the floor. I hold you now in my prayers, and, truthfully, in great awe for the immensity of the ministry grown from your faithfulness.
May you know great joy and peace as you rest in Him. You are God’s beloved child! So beloved, Joni!
Marilee Ruebsamen
Joni, Thank you so much for your inspiration. I have been fighting cancer for 4 yrs now. Metastatic Melanoma, numerous tumors up and down my spine, radiation treatments and now cutting edge bio-chemo treatments seem to be keeping things at bay. I know its the healing power of God that is truly sustaining me. When diagnosed, the first thing I asked God was for Peace. He gave me that and more and now as I live each and every day, I serve Him and seek to do His Will. One day, He will take me home and I long for that. Thank you dear sister in the Lord. Dennis Lancaster
Joni, you have been an inspiration to many & certainly to me! I met you & Ken in Manila many years ago as you came to give out wheelchairs to a lot of Filipinos who desperately needed them. You came in connection with the 700 Club whose leadership then was John & Merilyn James. Also, when I wrote to you about our Community Prayer Breakfast, you made & sent a wonderful, personal video to our group, even naming individuals in attendance. That meant so much!! Your books, your art, and all you do for our Lord & Savior are blessing to all who see and read them! Thank you so much for your sharing of your journey with our Lord Jesus and the many physical problems you’ve encountered! God bless you & Ken and your ministry!!!
How could I not pray for your healing, and I did and shall continue. Not only because of your own testimony but the many preceding my response. God has turned Death from me at least twice, sent me back to 11 years more with my beloved husband who died in his sleep weeks after being told to get off the treadmill– as usual, he was so fit that “we can’t raise your heart rate in double the usual time”. I am inspired by you all to see new paths and journeys at God’s right hand despite two progressively debilitating conditions overseen by more specialists than I have fingers. Thanks and petitions for pain relief and lifted spirits.
Dear Dear Joni, Years and years ago while I was teaching music at the Black Forest Academy (a school for missionary children), I and friends were able to come to one of your concerts, and come up to briefly chat with you and get your autograph. I never forgot our brief encounter, for alas, we are almost exactly the same age, and so I have always thought about you as the sister I never had. You and your story have always been close to me. Thank you for your continuing strong modeling for the rest of us, regardless of what you are going through. God is really using you. Love in Christ, Jolene Boyd
This just popped up on my facebook page today. I needed this today more than you’ll know. Thank you. Praying for you.
This lady is a hero, I only hope that one day I might be a little like her, she is smart, Holy, and a great Christian and this old goat wish and pray to be like her. What a woman!!
Joni, you brought tears to my eyes. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. During my recovery, I sat on my back porch and watched the hummingbirds. I had over 30 every morning and I understood that my Father had sent them. It was a difficult, but peaceful time, digging deeper into the Word and growing closer to my Lord. May God bless you abundantly through your journey.
Is this Bible in King James Version?
We love you Joni and pray and think of you often!! We’re so thankful that God brought you through your battle with cancer and enabled you to continue to inspire and encourage others!
God bless you!
Scotty and Cathy Hunt
[…] THE BATTLE OF MY LIFE by Joni Eareckson Tada […]
I have a lot of pain every day, but the Holy Spirit reminds me of you and how you must feel every day wanting to get out of bed and dressing yourself every day. Knowing how your faith has kept you going helps me to press in. You don’t know how much your life has helped me. My family and church will pray, pray, pray. Love Marjorie Klinger
My husband wants me to share this: Psalm 16:3 “As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.” We love you so much. I read your book years ago and have followed your life through the years. Your ministry of sending and taking wheelchairs and other devices to help those in need is wonderful. Your life is such a strong influence on all who hear of you. This news of your recent affliction hurts my heart and I am sure everyone that knows you. I would love to be there to hug you. Dan and Marjorie Klinger
Dear Joni,
Not sure whether you would ever read this but I have to thank you for helping me through life battles with your books. I grew up and Hungary during the not so free communist era when availability of Christian books were very limited. By means of generous donations to West European Christian funds and via a secretive distribution network, the Hungarian translation of your first book began. It was some 35 years ago when I was a young Christian, at University, struggling with life, rejection in love, studies and trying to fit in an alien ideology which was then, atheism and communism. It was hard. Then came your book and changed everything. I remember reading it with tears filling up my eyes, – my Mum read it too – we were so much grateful for your encouragement and testimony. A few years later but I was in Vienna, Austria on a coach trip. In the parking lot, just before setting up to journey back to Budapest, Hungary a few people approached us – Christian missionaries distributing Christian books in Hungarian. One kind person happened to hand over a copy of the second part of your book! “A Step Further”. I cannot tell you how much courage, help and support it gave me through my life.
In later life I moved to London, England, where I became a born again evangelical Christian, but your books, YouTube sermons, web page, your life story and testimony shaped my spiritual journey ever since.
I always thought I ought to thank you somehow. Most importantly I thank God for raising you, using you and giving you to the Word to be a better place. Thank you Joni. PTL
[…] After 50 Years in a Wheelchair, I Still Walk With Jesus. Christianity Today Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of My Diving Accident. The Gospel Coalition The Beyond Suffering Bible: An Interview with Joni Eareckson Tada. Bible Gateway Your Problems Have Purpose. Proverbs 31 Ministries The Battle of My Life by Joni Eareckson Tada. The Arc […]