Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Shana: This is Shana on Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Today, Joni shares a wonderful quote by Pastor John Piper.

Joni Eareckson Tada: I read this years ago and it has always been a comfort when I feel alone in my affliction or my wheelchair feels a little overwhelmed. John Piper said, "Every day, in every circumstance, God is always doing 10,000 things in your life and you may be aware of only three of them." That is so true, and it is good to remember when suffering starts to make you feel claustrophobic.

Every day, God is doing 10,000 things in your life and you might be aware of only three of them, or two of them, or one of them. No matter how lonely you feel or how out of step with others you feel, no matter if you feel your life is lacking purpose, God is up to something big in your life. Do not let the four walls of your bedroom or your work area close in on you. Do not feel suffocated by pain. Instead, remember this special poem by Annie Johnson Flint.

God is helping me now this moment, though I may not see it or hear. Perhaps by a friend far distant, perhaps by a stranger near. Perhaps by a spoken message, perhaps by the printed word, in ways that I know and know not, I have the help of the Lord. He is keeping me now this moment, however I need it most. Perhaps by a single angel, perhaps by a mighty host.

Perhaps by the chain that frets me or the walls that shut me in, in ways that I know and know not, He keeps me from harm and sin. He is guiding me now this moment, in pathways easy or hard. Perhaps by a door wide open, perhaps by a door fast barred. Perhaps by a joy withholden, perhaps by a gladness given, in ways that I know and know not, He is leading me up to heaven.

He is using me now this moment, and whether I go or stand, perhaps by a plan accomplished, perhaps when He stays my hand. Perhaps by a word in season, perhaps by a silent prayer, in ways that I know and know not, His labor of love I share. Though you may not see it or hear it, in ways that you know and know not, God is at work. God is active.

God is doing 10,000 things in your life, even though you may be aware of only one or two. Until God opens a door, praise Him for the dark hallway. Praise Him through your pain. Praise Him for being with you in your affliction. Praise Him for those 10,000 things He is up to in your life, perhaps even using your story in ways you never imagined, using your story in the lives of others. Take heart and be encouraged. You are not alone in your hardship.

Please know that we at Joni and Friends care about your struggles, too. Our staff gathers every morning to intercede on behalf of friends like you who contact our ministry in need of prayer. Whether it is an upcoming surgery, a prodigal child gone astray, the salvation of a family member, or a painful chronic condition for which you just need endurance, contact us today on my radio page at joniradio.org.

We want to hear from you and we want to join our Savior in heaven in interceding for your special needs. Again, just write us your prayer request at joniradio.org and then please keep us posted on how you are doing and what is going on. Romans chapter 12, verse 7 says that when we serve, we should do it well. Learn how to serve well by signing up as an intern with Joni and Friends. Get all the details at joniradio.org.