The Promise that Brings Hope

Joni Eareckson Tada is an overcomer. At 17, she dove into shallow water and surfaced a parapalegic. For nearly 50 years now, Christ has worked through her story and life to encourage others with disabilities similar to hers.

The late Louis Zamperini was an overcomer. As detailed in “Unbroken,” the book and Hollywood movie about his life, he was shot down in World War II and barely survived 40 days adrift at sea. He was “rescued” by the Japanese only to become a prisoner of war, then beaten and tortured mercilessly. Transformed by Christ in the years following his release, he was able to forgive his ruthless captors.

After my mother died when I was nine years old, my step-dad abandoned me and my siblings within hours of her funeral. My biological father died of alcoholism, and I was placed in foster care. I ended up in a home where parenthood was considered a hassle to endure, rather than a gift to treasure. Christ also transformed my life and has given me the opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel to millions through Focus.

I don’t know your story, but I’m sure you’ve probably had some difficulties to overcome in your life as well. Or maybe you’re in the thick of some monumental challenges right now. Remember Jesus’ promise to us in John 16:33: “In this world, you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

As author and speaker Ellie Lofaro says, “Many times in your life you say, ‘God I haven’t been this way before. I haven’t faced this situation. I haven’t had sickness or a mother with Alzheimer’s before. I haven’t had my husband have an affair before or a best friend stab me in the back.’ And God says, ‘Follow me. Follow me, and you will know which way to go.”

Ellie will be our guest on today and tomorrow’s broadcast, “The Timeless Truth of Christ.” With her wit, her sense of humor, and her knack for storytelling, she reminds us that no matter what struggles we face, God is always right by our side.

You can hear the program on your local radio station, online, or via our free, downloadable mobile phone app. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You might even cry from laughing. But, either way, I hope you’ll be encouraged and bolstered in your strength to press forward with God’s grace.