It takes a long time to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, but hang on – because when you finally become like Christ, the only thing that’s going to be chronic will be your joy!
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. And I will never forget the day when, in the hospital, they moved me from the “acute care” ward to the “chronic care” ward. I got a lump in my throat because it meant that my paralysis was going to be chronic – a permanent thing. I realized my hardships would never go away, no matter how much I would pray or plead. But after decades in this wheelchair, I’ve come to understand God's purpose for chronic conditions. Every morning, noon, and night, that chronic condition keeps you needing Jesus. It keeps you constantly relying on him. And that is a good thing! The Bible says that “… He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” It takes a long time to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ but hang on; because when you finally become like Christ, the only thing that’s going to be chronic will be your joy!
© Joni and Friends