Over 50 years, Mrs. Joni Eareskson Tada has lived a hard life while learning God. She discovered that God is more concerned for the health of our soul and spirit than he is our physical well-being on earth. Meaning, since Genesis 3, the world has been broken, filled with difficulties, suffering, and sin. God surely does not want any suffering for any now or later. But, he has been working out his plan to redeem his created people before he makes all things anew. For now, the gospel of Jesus the Christ redeems and reconciles people to God now and forever, and one of the countless effects is the ability for local churches and the overall Christian church to engage, relate, and love one another — including those with physical disabilities.

Joni brings to bear on listeners the endearing and enduring word of God to stabilize and encourage anyone of us to live a hard life in a redeemed way for God’s purposes. Her opening words are sown throughout her message and great challenge to pastors at the end. Let God’s gospel bless the poor in spirit and create a truth-filled love for others — regardless of their similarities or differences. The single unifying factor for the church is God and God alone, who loves and redeems his creation for his purposes that we are allowed to participate in — even if that means suffering.