Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I’m wondering; how do you sleep? Well, for me lately I have not been sleeping well. As you know I’ve battled cancer and finished radiation therapy – the treatment has caused more-than-the-usual pain and a lot of fatigue that I’m still not over yet. And that, in turn, has resulted in very little sleep. I’ve got the joint pain in my back that keeps me up. I’ve tried everything, nothing helps. Over the last month, I've laid awake at night, watching the digital clock that projects itself on my ceiling, and I stare at it wondering how I will be able to survive on so little rest. I prayed “Lord, what is the way out of this impossible situation involving pain, and lack of sleep, and cancer, and radiation, and fatigue? And I don’t want to wake my husband up to turn me three more times. Will you come to my rescue; will you deliver me from this cycle of no sleep?” Honestly, sometimes at 4 AM, it can feel like I’m in a trap.

But, my heart is steadfast. And I draw courage from Exodus 14, verse 2. Get this; it’s where the Lord ordered Moses (now listen closely), "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore." Now at first glance, the verse seems like nothing more than directions on MapQuest as to how to, where to set up camp. But if you look at that verse closer, it shows God purposefully telling His people to turn around; stop heading toward Mount Sinai, turn around and head back. Head back where? Well, God told them to turn back and follow Him into an inescapable trap. “Camp there,” he says! With mountains on either side, the sea in front, and Pharaoh’s threatening armies closing in from behind. The Lord personally led them into an impossible situation; a dangerous situation. And there was no answer. And if there were one, it would have to be really, really, really miraculous; I mean, a big time phenomenon, and guess what? It was! God’s people were pressed up against the waves, cowering as they heard the thunderous sound of chariots approaching. But then they look, oh my goodness, the Red Sea begins parting, congealing into two skyscraper walls of water. In faith, believing that God would keep the waters at bay, the Lord’s people then walked through a highway in the ocean, and God received overwhelming glory, and praise and thanksgiving!

So, can you see why Exodus 14:2 is such an encouragement? I'm trusting God to miraculously find a way to help me live with paralysis, and cancer, and radiation, and pain, AND much-needed sleep. Like Moses, I’m confident God has led me to camp on the shore, all so that He might display His wonderous way out, all for His glory. So, if you are feeling trapped, if you are frustrated by the situation in which you find yourself, remember the lesson of Exodus. God says, “Tell the Israelites to turn back, I’m going to lead them into a trap. I’m going to have them encamp in a place where there is no way out and I’ll get the glory when I open a way.” That’s really a funny thing, God tells them twice. Turn around and camp there; that’s right, right there along the shore. Oh friend, God has led you exactly the same way; where He wants you. He will make a way though, a miraculous way if you and I would but trust Him. And it’ll be all to His glory.

As the song goes, “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. He will be my guide; He'll hold me closely by His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way. Oh friend, remember, He will make a way. Trust Him to miraculously do that for you today and when He does, thank Him, glorify Him for leading you out of the trap. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.

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