Prepare Your Mind
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a confession about cancer.
I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m back battling cancer again; for the second time. And this time it’s a little different. The cancer is a bit faster-growing and I’ve just about completed radiation. Now, as a quadriplegic, it has concerned me. After more than 50 years of total paralysis, my lungs are not in the best of shape, and the radiation is being focused on my chest wall where my mastectomy was done. So, my lungs have kind of been in danger. Thankfully, I had one of those newfangled, high-tech machines that target the radiation very specifically so as to not damage healthy tissue, but still, it’s a little scary.
And I want to give you the Bible verse that I clung to (and I’m still clinging to) throughout the whole process. First Peter Chapter 1, verse 13 says, “Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” You know, back in December, early January before I began radiation, even back in late November when I found out I had this cancer, I started preparing my mind for action. From the very onset, I had to be sober in spirit. I knew I had to be super-careful of private little thoughts that could undermine my confidence in Christ.
Look, I remember when I went into respiratory failure a few years ago, and had to be trached for the second time. it was almost scarier and more panicky than the first time, some 20 years prior. My mind had to battle the, “Oh no, here we go again,” and fears of experiencing the same terrible claustrophobia. Like, I was thinking, I know I’m going to die sometime, is this the time? If so, how hard should I try to battle the illness? Even back then, I felt spiritually ready for heaven, with my “bucket list” pretty much complete. But, “giving up,” did not seem to be the answer, even back then, years ago.
And you know what? It wasn’t the answer; it was not my time. I survived pneumonia and respiratory failure. I survived all those panicky scary feelings that did me no good at all. And so I learned back then, when awful things were happening – like right now, with this new cancer, and radiation – my mind is prepared for action. I tell you what, I am sober in spirit. I have fixed my hope completely on the grace God gives me. That’s what first Peter tells me to do, and it’s such wise advice. Because I simply cannot allow my thoughts to wander down that dark, ugly path to depression and despair. Believe me, I’ve been there; that’s where my feelings will take me. I know. And so, over these last few months, ever since November when doctors removed that tumor, I have been safeguarding and double checking my mind, my thoughts; as soon as I find myself thinking: “I know these side effects are going to do me in… I know my cancer is going to recur somewhere else”… well, I don’t know that, only God does. And it’s silly – actually it’s reckless – to allow my thoughts to pull my spirits down, causing more doubts about God and fears of the future. So, in this new cancer journey, I am fixing my hope completely on the grace of God. Now, you may not have cancer, maybe you do, but I encourage you to do the same. Is something scary looming ahead? Some bad medical condition? Well, prepare your mind for action. Safeguard your thoughts. Be sober in spirit. And ratchet your hope completely on the grace of God. That way, you never, ever lose. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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The 2025 Joni Planner features Joni’s stunning artwork, Bible verses, and inspirational quotes that highlight the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.“Christ is the solid Rock that I am building my life on. The older I get, the longer I spend in a wheelchair, and the more time I journey with Christ, the more I see that having Jesus as the foundation of your life is everything,” Joni says.From Joni’s “Mountain Majesty” depiction of the Colorado Rockies on the cover, to Scriptures hand-picked to remind you of the steadfastness of God, to fresh devotionals by Joni, this Planner will help you trust your Savior more deeply throughout 2025. With spacious monthly spreads to organize your goals, activities, and prayers, the Planner will help you stay on track, and grow in faith every day.The Joni Planner sells fast! Get yours, and one for a friend, while supplies last! Proceeds go to support disability ministry worldwide.
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Featured Offer
The 2025 Joni Planner features Joni’s stunning artwork, Bible verses, and inspirational quotes that highlight the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.“Christ is the solid Rock that I am building my life on. The older I get, the longer I spend in a wheelchair, and the more time I journey with Christ, the more I see that having Jesus as the foundation of your life is everything,” Joni says.From Joni’s “Mountain Majesty” depiction of the Colorado Rockies on the cover, to Scriptures hand-picked to remind you of the steadfastness of God, to fresh devotionals by Joni, this Planner will help you trust your Savior more deeply throughout 2025. With spacious monthly spreads to organize your goals, activities, and prayers, the Planner will help you stay on track, and grow in faith every day.The Joni Planner sells fast! Get yours, and one for a friend, while supplies last! Proceeds go to support disability ministry worldwide.
About Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope
About Joni Eareckson Tada
Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities. Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of Joni and Friends, a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special-needs families around the world. President Reagan appointed Mrs. Tada to the National Council on Disability, then reappointed by President George H.W. Bush. During her tenure, the ADA was passed and signed into law. Mrs. Tada served as advisor to Condoleezza Rice on the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department. She served as Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. The Colson Center on Christian Worldview awarded Joni Tada its prestigious William Wilberforce Award, and she was also inducted into
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Society of World Changers.
Joni Eareckson Tada has been awarded several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humanities from Gordon College and Doctor of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. She is an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message in books, through artwork, radio, and other media. Joni Tada served as General Editor of the Beyond Suffering Bible, a special edition published by Tyndale for people affected by disability. Joni and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in Calabasas, California.
Contact Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope with Joni Eareckson Tada
Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope
PO Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376-3333
818-707-5664