faithfulness of disabled people strengthens others (Joni Eareckson)

The fact that disabled people hang in there does something for Christians. It's not about being an inspiration for others, it more than that.... it's a mystery. God somehow strengthens others by their faithfulness. They may feel like a burden to others, but God thinks the opposite. He thinks its necessary for others to take care of the disabled... they do more for one's spiritual well being than can be imagined. What's more is that it's all being credited to the disabled person's account, per Phillipians 1:25-26. If the disabled person is alone and does not meet others, they must endure for the purpose of teaching the unseen powers, the rulers, and authorities in the heavenly realms about the powerful and all sustaining Lord (Eph 3:10).

Joni Eareckson Tada

Currently building a home for a couple and the husband is Quadriplegic. What he can move is his mouth and upon it he always wears a smile. I have Never seen him without a smile and according to his wife he has been been that way for quite some time. I can do all those things he cannot, but it is he who ministers to me.

I believe Joni has been quoted as saying that the greatest thing that ever happened to her was her last dive into that fateful water. For her it became the living water and she has drank of it ever since.

I had just received an email saying that I can put some of Joni's articles on my website! Praise God.

Yes what a wonderful ministry the Lord is working out by the faithfulness of Joni. Thank You Lord for Joni!!
When I became a believer, some 33 years ago, I started my journey in a church where they learned that all weakness, sickness, failure etc, is from the devil. Wearing glasses, going to the dentist for example was total unbelief etc.
The leader of this church was saying real painful words about Joni, and I thank G'd I never excepted this as truth…. And I was rebuked for my “ unbelief”…
Years later when I was "free “ of this wrong and unloving teaching, I had the PRIVILIGE to listen to Joni in my home town.
What a blessing it was to me! I was so moved by her testimony & singing. There she was, in her wheelchair on this big and huge stage and the strength of Christ was shining thru her.
She was radiating the love of my Heavenly Fathers heart to me that day.
Jony was diagnosed with breast cancer almost the same time I was last year, and again I was blessed by her testimony while going thru this difficult time in her (and my) life.
In the years I have met believers, living so close to the Lord and at the same time going through so much physical and emotional pain, that I cannot describe it with words. ( my English vocabulary is to poor) These loving brothers and sisters, while in so much pain, blessed me by their faithfulness, showing deep trust in their loving Savior. O I am so thankful the Lord opened my eyes for this….Reading books on this topic by Elisabeth Elliot helped me a lot as well.
Shalom my dear brothers and sisters to all of you,
browny.

"I had just received an email saying that I can put some of Joni's articles on my website! Praise God."

Wow StarofGOD, that’s great!!!
Bless you!
browny

“I can do all those things he cannot, but it is he who ministers to me”

Amen to that Lylewise!
Be blessed in the work you do for this brother.
Be blessed with peace and joy.
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“I've heard she's written a wonderful book on "Heaven", that I hope to get one day”
“Can't stay discouraged for very long listening to her”

Yes Jesus-is-GOD AMEN!! Joni is an encouragement to listen to!
Will try to find this book as well.
Bless you sister Bless you!!
browny

Browny, I have come across this same divergence from truth concerning the weakness of others. It is alive and well in the prosperity camp and by cornering itself by it's own fleshly views it is left no choice but to attack those who are compromised by disease, sicknesses, and defects. So unlike God's ways in that He uses the weak to both shame and encourage the strong. Or should I say He takes the strong and encourages the weak? What a blessing is missed by attributing what should bring glory to God and credit it to satan.