Sunday Evenings With JoniNäide

Joni broke her neck when she was seventeen and has lived with quadriplegia ever since—almost 60 years. She has been diagnosed with cancer several times followed by regimens of chemo, radiation, and/or surgeries. Then there was COVID, several times. That would take a toll on anyone’s body, but for Joni, with her paralysis the strain is even greater. Every time, her physical abilities grew a bit more limited.

I could go on and on about this, but it’s not what Joni is about. On the contrary, because she’s all about finding God’s grace in life’s difficulties, and sharing His grace with others.

Just as she did with me on the Sunday nights I helped her into bed.

One Sunday I remember very clearly. That evening, I did not want to talk about God’s grace. She and Ken had just shared another daunting diagnosis with me, and all I wanted to talk about was the unfairness of this. I’ve had these conversations with God too—many times…

So I told Joni how angry I felt, and asked her if she was angry too. She listened and waited and looked at me, with that look. A look I’ve grown quite fond of by now. It’s a look of wonder, not disapproval, but a wanting to understand what’s really going on behind my words. I don’t feel judged or misunderstood, but it’s clear that I don’t get it, or that we are not at the same page.

It’s a look of stillness, too, which I love. A pause, for there are no quick and easy answers to questions like that.

After a long pause, she said: “You see, Ruth, what I’ve learned in other difficult times is that Jesus met me. In periods that seemed hopeless and overwhelming, I’ve come to know Him at a more intimate level. I’ve seen His faithfulness and grown a deeper understanding of His grace,” she said, “and I would not want to miss this.”

It was my turn to be still, for I understood, what she said. We are not alone, but Jesus meets us in those difficult circumstances, to show more of Who He is. More love, more grace, more of our Savior.

To Joni He has proven to be faithful, and it’s what she holds onto, unswervingly.

That night in my car on my way home, I had a conversation with God. I didn’t ask Him if it was fair—that question seemed irrelevant for now. Instead I sat in stillness, and I asked Him if He would teach me to trust Him unswervingly.

Reflection

1. Can you name three times that God has proven faithful to you, in the midst of difficult circumstances?

2. What would it look like for you to trust Him unswervingly—today, right where you are?

Prayer

Dear God, Thank You that no question is ever too big for You. I would like to trust You unswervingly, will you teach me how? In Jesus name, Amen.