Suffering | Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Thoughts About Suffering

Joni Eareckson Tada is well acquainted with suffering. More than five decades with quadriplegia, years of chronic pain, and two bouts with cancer have given her plenty of personal experience with difficulty and hardship. As she shares her story-how she moved from despairing in her suffering to hope and faith-people often turn to Joni in their own suffering, seeking answers, help, and comfort.
While Joni reflects and writes about the good and beautiful things God can bring out of our suffering, she also understands how overwhelming pain and grief can become. And during seasons of acute personal struggle, Joni digs deeper into her faith and finds new understanding of what we really need from God when we suffer.
More than answers about why we suffer or reminders of what good can come from our pain, Joni has come to grasp that God’s presence is what we need as his children. We need God to scoop us up and hold us close, just as a father holds his child.
Trusting God as her Father, Joni leans into his healing embrace as she suffers, and invites others to do the same. And at all times, she keeps her eyes on her suffering Savior, Jesus, and keeps close to his Word.
“In Isaiah 53, a prophecy about the coming Christ paints a picture of our Lord as a suffering Savior, ‘a man of suffering, and familiar with pain,’ (Isaiah 53:3). In the person of Jesus, we see that God himself suffers. Not only that; he suffers with and for us. And he means for his followers to step into his example, with his help.” - Joni Eareckson Tada
#JoniEarecksonTada #Suffering #Jesus
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[@susielee5185]

Oh Joni, thank you for always pointing us to Jesus. You have suffered much...I'm humbled by your testimony.

[@HorizonEast72]

Amen 🙏🏼

[@a.hakvoort8098]

I agree!

[@charleslee5707]

Amen🙏🔥🕊🛐✝

[@wendymichiko]

“Daddy’s here.”. I can’t wait for that day sister.

[@nikibretthauer7071]

I'm so glad that she shared not only her thoughts, but her feelings. When we feel like we're drowning in our sorrows and miseries, the last thing we want is to hear a lengthy and detailed explanation of why it's good for us. At least that's true for me. I want God to hold me and comfort me like a daddy. That's what makes it all worthwhile. Thank you, Joni.

[@harryeb1944]

Sister You are a true soldier for God, You will hear "welcome home my faithfful and blessed child"

[@maryowen1722]

Try to IMAGINE Joni’s suffering 😮😢and then try to imagine The GOD WHO WILLINGLY suffered to KNOW her pain!!! OH JESUS!!! LORD GOD! HOW GREAT THOU ART!!!

[@patriot4amer]

Love the transparency and revelation knowledge shared...

[@patriot4amer]

Jesus taught a parable about mother hen protecting her little ones under her wings❤

[@sandigrace1087]

Joni my youngest son passed away last week. I have been heart broken. This message was just what I needed and you included a verse that has been my life’s verse for years. Isaiah 41:10. Thank you for letting Jesus love and comfort through your pain and suffering.

[@JoniandFriendsVideo]

Thank you for your heartfelt response to Joni’s message, Sandi. We are saddened to hear about your son’s passing and wanted to write you a note of encouragement. Nothing is ever quite the same after we lose a loved one, especially a child, but we pray you will know God’s sustaining comfort and grace as it is unchanging and everlasting. And though our hearts grieve with yours, we also pause to give thanks with you for the life of your son. Sandi, we hope you will find comfort in Psalm 34:18 (NLT), “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” We will pray that you feel and sense God’s presence in a very real and personal way. If we can encourage you further, please reach out to our Response team at [e-mail].

[@LadywatchingByrd]

How great thou art!!!! 🙏👏👏👏🎶

[@Gaithersteve]

Thank you for that. God cares more about character than comfort. That is helpful. May the Lord bless you richly.

[@lorijames9514]

I love you Joni andKen

[@amyduboise3683]

What a beautiful testimony Joni. A big warm hug for you ❤ thank you ☺️

[@lydiajusticekimball4829]

Amen! I too suffer from affliction-Parkinson’s disease and have learned much of the grace and mercy of Jesus. I have also learned to trust Him more. I believe He allowed me to have this disease to teach me to be humble and more empathetic to others who are suffering. God bless you today and everyday.

[@---wu3qj]

Amen, amen. When I’m in pain, I just want my Father’s arms around me. As members of the Body of Christ, we can be His arms, His ears, and His mouth to speak His comfort to those hurting. Matt.25:31-46

[@JeanDumfordPhD]

Joni I am so glad you have earthly support... especially enough to give some of us without earthly support, virtual support... and remind us... God is here.

[@HomesteadingWays]

Thank you, Joni. I am in such pain right now it seems unbearable! I, too, have chronic illnesses although I am not paralyzed. Every day, sometimes every hour (like tonight), is a crap shoot as to what kind of and how much pain I'll be in. Your book on suffering with hymns is very consoling to my soul, but tonight I needed the video. Thank you.

[@c.miller7730]

Thank you so much, Joni, for your honesty and vulnerability.❤ Amen! He wants us to deeply experience His precious presence!

[@ephramed]

I have been following you for almost 50 years Joni . You have touched me beyond words . GOD bless you and encourage you !

[@aletheamallory9674]

Suffering and affliction here on earth prepares those that are HIS for the HEAVENLY KINGDOM👑

[@rodneyredding245]

Joni, thank you for your testimony. I thank God for it. Your face shines with the glory of God's goodness to you.

[@cindys.9688]

Thank you, Joni, for being open, honest, transparent, and empathetic. Jesus is indeed glorified through your sufferings and the ministry which has come from them. Love you, Sister!💖✝️

[@pauldoddy9714]

Thank you Joni for your spiritual insights on suffering..

[@jocelynrose7911]

Thank you. May God bless you as you bless others.

[@dianefuller3242]

Right from the core of the Father's heart.

[@justjosh5325]

Precious Joni, your words brought tears to my eyes as, if anyone is equipped to understand this subject, it is you. What glory God is receiving through your life. ❤

[@angelajackson3258]

I sure needed to hear this message.

[@JudiKerestan]

I lost my husband 2 months ago and its hard to see any good at all anymore. Thank you for this message.

[@loriguercio4374]

Thank u God for love and mercy!! 🙏❤

[@beekind6014]

God bless you and be with you always dear Joni. Peace be with you❤

[@BettyBloomfield4824]

He is a good Father❤🎉

[@terriharris6238]

Sister Joni, That’s so beautiful!💖✝️💖🔥💖🙏💖

[@snowyowlz5992]

Joni I’m about your age, thank you for your testimony. Between you, Peter and Gracie Rosenberger (Hope For The Caregiver) you have helped me in my journey of faith and caregiving for my wife over the decades.

[@lauramoore7337]

Such a comforting message!

[@Nancy-r5o6q]

Those are wise words. Pls pray that I will see God as a loving Father. I had no role model for this. In fact there was NO assurance or demonstration of parental love towards me.

[@Shimmer_Gaming]

Joni, thank you! You come to my mind so often, when my own chronic pain hits so hard that life seems to grind to a halt or I can’t be the wife/mom I need to be because of it. To see Christ so evidently in you IN your suffering…that is the treasure. I pray I will continue to press into the arms of my Father when pain hits hard, knowing He is with me. Thank you, and The Lord bless you and keep you.

[@sandranodine1151]

Thank you Joni for your beautiful message ❤ I can’t wait to have that hug from Jesus. I to suffer with chronic pain and having Jesus hold me s f tell me it’s all right now will be worth every ache.

[@vivienlee610]

Beautiful Joni...beautiful Jesus. 🙌

[@Grace7be7with7you]

Amen Joni. You are so near to the King of Suffering.

[@tmiller6989]

I’m glad you preach honestly and biblically. It’s difficult to listen to some preachers and believers act like we will only have suffering if we don’t claim this promise or that one and then a person gets frustrated wondering if the pain is because of weak faith?

[@drawntomountains]

Amen, Joni !! Your words are so true !! Thank you for your inspirational moments !!

[@mikeselness910]

So very beautiful our Saviors loving kindness ,how unserchable are His mercies towards us ,blessings to you and your family Teresa in Mn

[@rma3_3_3]

❤❤❤’’ AMAZING GRACE’’❤❤❤

[@3orion33]

Joni, your testimony....your life is being beautifully used by God. Thank you for sharing❤

[@mkmornz804]

Last part was of your speech where Yeshua comforts us in heaven made me cry. I imagined my mom that God took from this earth over a month ago finally experienced that reality. And I’ll be experiencing that hopefully sooner than I expect. Your wisdom on suffering has given me hope and correct perspective about what we as humans categorize as bad. So glad you share this on suffering and sorrow. I just don’t believe but I know suffering is part of Gods perfect will. My mom used to share that perspective after she suffered a lot in the last several years before God was merciful to take her last April. She used to say suffering brings you closer to God and that it refines you.

[@garytumbleweed411]

My wife and myself have been through 28 years, Of greef, suffering, financial despair, We have two drug addicted sons that live with Us . the oldest is 45 . the other is 41 . My wife is 72 & i am 70 . all these years we have prayed for deliverance, and our lives are worse than Ever , this hardship in my life has made me a more Hard hearted person ! There is no benefit in this Kind of suffering. Our lives will soon be gone With no future or benefit to leave behind .we also Have another son that is 50 . that has been a Blessing to us , and we're thankful for him . The 28 years we have been through have been very hard on us . the addiction that our sons have Dealt with were caused by DR. Prescription's That got them ensnared . but we will go on Any way .

[@JoniandFriendsVideo]

Oh Gary! Our hearts break for you, your wife and your sons and all of the hardship that your family has endured. Addiction is a grizzly bear and we are heartbroken to hear of the grip it's had within your family. We join you in praying for breakthrough and freedom for your sons. May you see the deliverance you have been asking God for. Gary, our prayer for you today comes from Colossians 1:11 from The Message: “We pray that you will have the strength to stick it out over the long haul-not the grim strength of gritting your teeth, but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us.” We pray that you guys begin to see this bright and beautiful space in your lives and in the lives of your sons. If we can encourage you any further, please reach out to our Response team at [e-mail].

[@lyndaallaby2131]

Yes, you WILL go on because you have that blessing of a son. My youngest son was taken home to his Saviour ten years ago, at 44 (stroke, only four days after it happened) We have not seen their three sons since, but contact has just been made, and although I don't know how it will occur, I continually pray that it will. Not long after the loss to Jesus of our son, an illness took my husband of 51 years, home to Jesus, also. Our oldest son moved into our home, and he is such a Godsent blessing to me. Don't you be like some Christian believers/pastors that I have read about, who took the easy way out of life's hardships, even though they did not even suffer physical pain, leaving shocked family behind. Keep Jesus close, always knowing that Paradise is just around the corner, for those of our age, who love the Lord!

[@pontasrajagukguk6879]

Luarbiasa Joni ini, sangat kuat di dlm Tuhan. Semoga banyak jiwa2 yg disemangati kotbahnya. Haleluya !

[@Carmen-l8w]

Thank you very much Joni, those were the words I needed.❤

[@amazinggranny5813]

I feel so guilty listening to you and realise my problems are nothing compared to what you've been through and are still coping with. May God bless you 💗

[@mariapopovici4467]

Wow! What a testimony from Joni! Her testimony is humbling and a reminder that God's puprose for my pain is purification of sin. He wants his children to be holy and ready for heaven - for Him. God bless Joni! Great will be her reward in heaven!

[@denisegsutton4891]

Ameyn and AMEN 🙏

[@reginaharris9775]

Joni you are so right !! When we let God take control of our lives it really does get better. Oh its not always going to be a bed of roses and He tells us that. But with Him as our guide the pricks/thorns on those roses 🌹 sure will be easier to get through.

[@francesbrown850]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

[@lynnpiazza346]

You're the best! Thank you Joni ♥️✝️

[@penelope9649]

I gotta get that book... I have NOT done a good job of suffering. It did help me have greater empathy for those suffering and make me want to help people. But other than that I have done a lot of bad things, rebelling against the suffering. Dear God, please help me to be pleasing to You!! Thank You for Your great patience and mercy, please don't let me die til I get better I at. Love you Joni, you are such an inspiration to me...

[@maryfox925]

Sending you love and prayers. Thank you

[@chrissysvideos]

Amen Joni

[@claudiajchavez97]

Thank you ❤😢

[@ruthsebastian4760]

You are a true inspiration Joni. God bless you. Praying for grace and strength to meet you at your need. May God continue use to be a blessing for His glory 😘🤗🙏

[@Mary8950Dio]

Thank you Joni for all your suffering and your joy in Jesus 🥰🫶🏽

[@beverlyb4256]

The joy of the Lord is our strength, when we are weak He can show himself strong ❤

[@sarahrickman6609]

I love you sister Joni. I love all my brothers and sisters. Cant wait to meet ya'll. ❤🥰😍😘

[@karengunia5451]

Joni, you are such an instrument of our Lord in your suffering and an encourager to us all.

[@JoniandFriendsVideo]

Joni is always grateful to know that her life in a wheelchair and her words are encouraging to others. God bless you!

[@roannkoechel]

Your amazing Joni, You have so helped me to understand why I have chronic pain. I am not suffering I am surviving with my Jesus right by my side. I Love you Jesus I want you to hold me Lord❤❤💘

[@SusanLlewellyn-pp2xn]

🙏 ❤ Father, I'm asking for you to remove all chronic pain from Joni's body now.And.forever more. And thank-you for Joni's life. It was her sweet voice that got through and Saved my brother. And so...In Jesus Name I Pray 🙏 Amen

[@faithevolution552]

Thank you for reminding me that we are Purified through pain. The refiners fire will turn my hard sin-sick heart heart from coal into gold, fit to be used for the King of King of Glory. 💛🏆💛

[@monikabucher5572]

Just what I needed before facing another night that might be painful after a very painful day. I love your book Songs of suffering and just read the ‘foxhole ‘ message. Fait, I have to work on that and hold up my shield. God bless you my pan-Pal and I can’t wait to meet you soon! Maranatha!

[@abbasjoy4785]

I'm reading her book collabs with Steve Estes" When God weeps". It's a nook that all Christians should read. It challenges our theology about suffering.

[@coletteleahy265]

What inspiration you are to everyone ,always looking at the bright side of life...when im really sad, l listen to your helpful advice and encouraging talk, and it lifts me up ,, thank you May God bless you and reward your kindness .. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@VickieWheeler-n2k]

🥹….such a beautiful woman of God. Thank you for sharing this, sweet sister 🙏🏻. May God bless you always & in all ways 🙏🏻✝️💞🤗🕊️

[@susanyates4233]

Bless you Joni.

[@christinefarrall9391]

He will Joni..

[@bridgetwilliams2926]

Thank you, Joni. You always bring wonderful insights, I smile and sometimes cry after hearing them. If I don't meet you here, I look forward to meeting you in heaven! Praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus! ❤

[@davidthomspson9771]

Wonderful video. Thank you

[@HorizonEast72]

Thank you so much Joni for your vulnerability and your wisdom. I have trouble finding words that fit the importance of your ministry to me. I once heard you say, when you were attempting to explain chronic pain, that when it flares you remind yourself that it’s just Jesus sandblasting you into His image. Now that’s what I try to think about when I’m in a flare. Btw, ironically you can’t stand up and I can’t sit down. At least not without that mind-bending pain that is impossible to adequately describe to someone who has never felt it. Thank you for everything you do for the disabled community. I needed to hear this message today. 💞

[@vancekershaw6876]

Thank you joni I know what you are talking about I have been through major suffering myself God is good and faithful and thank you for sharing your stories and my prayers goes out to you

[@JENNAY369]

I Love you Keep Inspiring. 👑🧘❤️‍🔥🌾✨🫶

[@elouiserose-m9b]

I love uou Jones you keep me on track never give up I love you God bless your ♥

[@larryjackson9705]

Deep & rich. Thx

[@StanEby1]

Heartfelt thanks. Blessings.

[@cherylmarshall3463]

You always bless me through your precious words, every time I need them. Thank you.❤️

[@SuzanneWyss-h3t]

Joni, thank you for your beautiful true words. I pray for you regularly ❤.

[@danielwebster7030]

Joni, thank you for the comforting words. I've had my fair share of suffering. I took could write a book, but it'd be tedious. I look back at my suffering and see how Jesus Christ drew me to himself thru it. I don't understand it, but I know that he draws me everyday. I've NOT arrived. No. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for allowing some of the painful moments because I know that somehow, he's going to bring an incredible amount of good thru it, not just for myself, but for others too.

[@2grandbabies1nana56]

Joni, This was an inspiring and beautiful video, thank you. I realized I haven’t seen you in many many years…It was nice to see you again. You still look young and radiant. God bless you.

[@sheilamanter9672]

🙏❤

[@lindamckay1616]

Thank you Joni for this video. My suffering is not even close to what you go through and in my heart I know I will never suffer the way Jesus suffered from me. I’m so ashamed of myself for complaining. How dare i compared to so many other people suffer but especially Jesus suffering., Again I really do thank you. I needed to hear this. I pray it will stay in my heart. Love Ya Joni.,❤ 6/2/2024. Sunday

[@seanqueen3642]

Thank you beautiful Joni, bringing true perspective to my tears! Praying for you continually and thankful that God brought you to a nobody like me, you're a gift from heaven 🦋!

[@tb-3780]

Matthew 25:23 ♥️🙏!

[@PJ-SavedbyGrace]

That was awesome, thank you Sis Joni♥️♥️♥️

[@vioskitchen2990]

God bless you dear faithful fervent soul!❤

[@alicemaung99]

Thank You Lord. Thank you Joni.

[@ruthhyster5807]

Joni, I Love You! Thank you for this message. It is exactly what I needed to hear. Of course Jesus, ABBA DADDY knew that. Thank You Lord!

[@Sheraleeable]

That last comment touched my soul deeply🙏🏻🔥❤️

[@TracyLegette]

I just went through a tough time 💗 but God but God amen God bless u and your family ❤

[@irmidopp]

6:03 AMEN! Thank you so much for these comforting words.

[@1940smusicals]

Thank you Joni. Hannah, New Zealand ❤

[@a.hakvoort8098]

Thank you for sharing this Joni!❤

[@Rachel-tt7qe]

Wow I have never thought of that! Thank you 🤍

[@pauloafonsodenipotideandra9204]

GOD bless you today and always!

[@sisterabbyable]

Oh how I needed this today. Thank you.

[@jody2873]

Thanks Joni. I needed to hear this this morning. You are a blessing to me and still sorry for your suffering... And occasionally, I will think about you and the 'one thing after another' that you have gone through, and I sure don't understand - as that's in the Lord's mystery. And though I haven't gone through anything near your level of pain and suffering, I look back on a portion of my life where I had incredible pain, suffering, and abandonment, and sometimes at night, I will cover my head and tell the Lord in secret, "those were some the best days of my life" and " thank you" . Such a paradox! - No other "religion" comes close to ours that does it's ( His) incredible work within "stickiness" and with such precision, grace and mercy. I only knew of him before that time, then after, I KNEW him🤗

[@tammystrube8908]

Amen! Thank you so much for your encouragement in the Lord, dear sister in Jesus! Blessings to you!

[@UnrequiteDreamx6]

Another inspiring video. Thank you, Joni!❤️

[@annsimmons3367]

Thank you Joni for your video. It definitely is something I needed to hear. ❤️🙏✝️

[@ButGOD-Eph2.1-10]

Thank you! I'm in need of this focus on these wonderful truths. You help me so very much! Thanks Be To God

[@tamangvlog5]

From nepal spinal cord injury paraplegic

[@evalina98000]

Amene 🙌🏽 💝🤗🌺