Home > Work > Pain and Providence (Joni Eareckson Tada)
1 " This sin-stained planet would have ripped apart at the seams long ago were it not for the restraining hand of God. "
― Joni Eareckson Tada , Pain and Providence (Joni Eareckson Tada)
2 " God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependency on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. "
3 " God’s hands stay on the wheel of your life from start to finish so that everything follows his intention for your life. This means your trials have more meaning—much more—than you realize. "
4 " However, evil is not uncontrolled. Because God reigns over all (Ps. 103:19), nothing happens outside of God’s control and plans. Even if we can’t grasp it this side of eternity, our sufferings have a place in God’s plans. Because even our sufferings fit into God’s plans, we don’t suffer in vain. Our sufferings have meaning because God uses them for his purposes. "
5 " Were it not for the influence of the Spirit of Christ in this world, we would see much more calamity, violence, natural catastrophes, war, and crime. "
6 " Yes, disability is terribly difficult and chronic pain can eat away at your peace of mind. "
7 " Like a black, velvety cloth set against diamonds, your disability provides a remarkable backdrop that magnifies patience, perseverance, endurance, and an uncomplaining spirit. These Christlike qualities that God longs to cultivate in your life are amplified against your obvious hardships. Your chronic condition is, no doubt, obvious to others—but what God wants to make obvious to others is your perseverance and lack of complaint. "
8 " Thomas Brooks defines providence this way: “It is the unceasing activity of the sovereign Creator whereby, he upholds His creatures in orderly existence, guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of men and angels, no matter how great or trivial. All of this is done to accomplish one great design: to give glory to Himself. "