Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

There are some people you meet that you are automatically drawn to them because of their incredible heart and testimony. I first heard of Joni Eareckson Tada from my paralyzed friend Rob and one of my sisters. Joni is a phenomenal Christian woman who has an amazing testimony and ministry (Joni & Friends) for the disabled. Joni dived into open water when she was just a teenager. Diving into the water snapped her spinal chord and she became a quadriplegic. An accomplished artist, Joni was unable to use her hands anymore. Amazingly, Joni taught herself to paint with her mouth and she creates exquisite art work which many people can't even create with their hands. Recently, Joni has battled stage 3 breast cancer. As I was watching an interview she was in, I was powerfully impacted by what she said. What she said serves as a powerful reminder that any situation one faces in life doesn't have the ability to win. Consider Joni's wise advice: "I began to see that cancer wouldn't win if I died. Cancer would only win if I failed to cherish Jesus Christ. And with that attitude, I was able to live in the present, not wallow in the past, not be filled with thoughts of regret...I think there is special joy and courage in being able to live in the moment, live right now. When people see us smile, in the midst of chronic pain, cancer, quadriplegia, whatever, they will look at us and think: 'Her God must be pretty great to inspire that kind of loyalty. I think that's amazing that she can smile in the midst of her affliction. I want what she has. I need her joy.' Oh, what a rich testimony that is!" Amen! The only way any trial, loss, frustration, illness, trauma, or heartache can win in our lives is if we fail to cherish Christ through it. The greatest gift we can ever hope to receive is a relationship with Christ. How incredible it is that God freely offers each of us such an amazing gift. Jesus, we CHOOSE to cherish you today in the midst of the chaos and heartache. Thank you that we each can have new life through You. Lord, You are so worthy of our absolute loyalty! If you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior, and you'd like to today, simply pray this meaningful prayer: "Dearest Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I am so sorry for all my sins. I ask You to forgive me of my sins and I ask You to come into my heart to live forever. Be my Lord. Guide and direct my life. I believe You died on the cross and rose from the grave to purchase me. Please prepare a place in heaven for me. I repent of my sins right now and I place my trust completely in You for my salvation. Make me Your child from this very moment. I give You full control of my life from this day forward. In Jesus Name I pray, amen!" If you prayed this prayer and meant it with all your heart, you are now officially a born again Christian. Welcome to the Family of God! Welcome to NEW life!