THINGS GOD HATES. THINGS GOD LOVES. Pts. 1-2

I was just watching a Youtube interview featuring Joni Eareckson Tada. 

If you are at all familiar with this dear lady, you know that this precious woman has endured the unendurable. For you see, in 1967, the year which I graduated from high school, she sustained a life-altering accident. As the result of diving into the ocean, and having misjudged its depth, her spinal cord was severed. She was immediately paralyzed from the shoulders down, and lost the use of all four limbs. (It was only because her sister caught a glimpse of her blonde hair in the water that she was rescued from certain death).

Over the next two years Joni submitted herself to physical and occupational therapy; during which time she experienced severe depression and suicidal ideation. If that were not enough, in recent years, Joni was given a diagnosis of Stage III breast cancer, a circumstance which required a mastectomy, and five months of chemotherapy.

As might be expected, in spite of her Christian faith Mrs. Tada has continued to have sporadic bouts with depression. During the interview she addresses the practicalities of such emotions for people who sense they are stuck in a recurring cycle of pain and suffering.

As a counselor I have encouraged the disabled, doubting, discouraged and disillusioned to discover whatever works best for them during a season, or a lifetime such as this, and to practice that particular catharsis; again and again. For Joni, it helps her to believe that our heavenly Father has trusted her enough to allow her to tolerate the sort of pain and limitations that comparatively few people ever experience in this life. She has been counted worthy to, as scripture puts it, ‘fill up in (her) own body the unfinished sufferings of Christ.” (Colossians 1:24)

Pt. 2

During the interview, Joni made one statement which I have personally and professionally learned to affirm and embrace with all my whole heart.

“God allows the things He hates to accomplish the things He loves.”

If we are to allow for the same theory which the suffering servant Job of the Old Testament also espoused, it certainly seems true in Joni’s life. Though she is an accomplished author, vocalist, radio hostess, and artist, (she paints by positioning a brush in her mouth) how many of us would care to trade places with her?

Almost completely dependent on others for her care, two of her female friends get her up in the morning, change, bathe and dress her. Her husband is even more desperately involved with the requirements which surround her life. So much so that he has, at times, despaired, and (admittedly) entertained a sense that his every waking moment was subservient to her needs.

Joni finds herself among those who speak from incomprehensible and unfathomable personal experience. A quadriplegic for half a century, having once known the blessings of touch and mobility; to have these precious faculties stripped from her in the blink of an eye.

I simply cannot imagine.

I have often marveled at the faith and perseverance of the suffering saints in Hebrews Chapter 11. From my way of thinking Joni is a modern day candidate for membership in this illustrious group of saints.

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 50. Copyright pending

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