When You Face Trials

By Suzie Eller


"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3 (NIV)

I planted them at the same time. In the same way. With the same tender love and care. Every time I watered one, I watered the other. Everything was the same ... almost.

One red begonia flower was planted between a crepe myrtle tree and a hydrangea bush, tucked under the protection of the sloping roof. The other flower was planted next to the concrete sidewalk and had no shelter from the pounding rain or scorching sun.

At the end of the summer I was surprised by what I saw.

The little flower tucked under the tree and bush, with just the right amount of filtered sunlight and water, had not grown.

You Will Be Rebuilt

When hardships come your way, you may feel as if though God has taken his wrecking ball, swung it at you, and shattered your life. But the Lord gives us the promise that with his love, we will be rebuilt!

Download MP3 Next ProgramPrevious Program

Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada. Thanks for joining me on "Joni and Friends.”

You know, there are so many lessons, so many things from God's Word that I have learned from these years of paralysis; so many scriptures that became solid anchor for my soul. And I love sharing these things with you, really I do, because if I can help lift your spirits, focus your heart, or point you to a Bible passage that God used to change me (sitting in this wheelchair), well … then these few minutes together are more than worth it!

I'm thinking of one particular verse that I run to even now, after so many years. Back when doctors first told me I would never walk again or have use of my hands, I was devastated. I felt like He took this wrecking ball, swung it and shattered my entire life: everything was in shambles. I had no idea where to begin, or how to begin rebuilding my life. 

The Stubbornness of Hope

Written by Becky Toews

Ten reasons to hope.

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed….” (Romans 4:18a)

I’m thankful that hope is so stubborn. If it wasn’t, I think I’d be a goner. Many times my circumstances have tempted me to throw in the towel, but each time I find hope popping to the surface and eventually taking over.

Oh, I’ve tried to resist. I’ve let discouraging thoughts smother the “noble, lovely and praiseworthy.” I’ve listened to the whispers of failure more times than I care to remember. I’ve allowed the voice of disappointment become louder than a scream. But with the predictability of a Hallmark movie, I find that after all my rants and raves, hope stands there quietly waiting. She penetrates my protests with the undeniable assurance that it’s gonna be okay.