Disability

Gena’s Testimony

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Last Friday, Gena, who is one of our volunteers gave her testimony about how God has helped her deal with her daughter’s epilepsy. Her daughter Lindsey, who is just fourteen years old, already struggles with a non-verbal form of autism. But starting last year, that battle broke out on a second front, when Lindsey began experiencing seizures: some large, and some small. So far, they have run several tests, including an overnight study at a major hospital in our area. It is humbling to listen to how Gena talks about how God has helped her deal when the worst of these episodes come. She explains that there is no secret, it is all grace! Whether you have a family member dealing with any of these same issues, or if your struggles are in a completely different area, I think you will be encouraged, by what she has to say.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV

The Passion of Suffering and Grace

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We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 NLT

As Christians we are on a journey, not at a final destination. Our road here on earth is sometimes perilous, confusing and difficult. Jesus told us it would be that way, but He also offered us the hope of His presence, His promises and His power to go with us all along the way. The final hours of the life of Jesus are called His passion, and He has called us to pick up our crosses, and His passion to follow Him and carry His love to those around us. In today’s video, I was struck by the fact that even after all these years of disability, suffering, and ministry, Joni still has that kind of passion for others. As we begin Lent on this Ash Wednesday, let’s pause for a moment and turn our eyes to the example of Jesus. He didn’t skip joyfully down the pathway of life, but for the joy that lay ahead, He endured the suffering of the cross with the passion of God’s love. He took time for His mother, for a young and frightened disciples, for a thief, and even to pray forgiveness for His enemies. He lived and He died with a passion that lights the way before us. So, this morning, however dark your journey may be, keep looking to Jesus, because He is the only one who can help, and He willingly did so with a passion that carried Him through death to Life and the sunrise of Easter morning!

The Headlines of Heaven

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And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’
Luke 18:1‭-‬3 ESV

When tragic events first make the headlines many of us pray for the people affected. Shootings, floods, hurricanes or warfare touch our hearts with sympathy for the victims and their families. But to be like the widow in Jesus’ story we need to persistently exercise our faith in prayer. For those of you who have been interceding for Ukraine, here is an updated report on one ministry’s work in the warzone. With Thanksgiving approaching, may you consider not only praying, but also financially supporting outreaches such as Joni and Friends. They continue to serve long after we have turned our attention elsewhere to some new headline. The least of these little ones always makes the headlines of Heaven!