Monday, July 19, 2010

A Word from Joni’s Sister… (#296 of 365+)

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11)


Kathy Eareckson shared her memories of a sunny afternoon in July 1967 that forever changed the course of her sister’s life. They were swimming with Kathy’s boyfriend in the Chesapeake Bay. Joni decided to swim out to a raft further out in the water so she could dive off it. Kathy stayed near the shore and was preoccupied with other things when, suddenly, she felt something pinch her toe.

If the crab hadn’t chosen that precise moment to pinch her, she wouldn’t have shouted out a warning for Joni to “Watch out for crabs”...

If she hadn’t shouted out to Joni, she might not have noticed for several more minutes that Joni was missing...

If she hadn’t noticed immediately that Joni was missing, they probably wouldn’t have been able to save her in time...

Kathy said when she looks back on that day with sadness because of Joni’s neck injury she’s always reminded of that little crab—the symbol of God’s sovereignty over the event. What happened to Joni may have shocked her friends and family at the time but it never surprised the Lord. It was a vital part of his perfect plan for her life. He paid close attention to every detail of that day, from a cancelled tennis match… to the coordinates of a tiny water creature. The same goes for both the monumental and the insignificant events in every believer’s life. God is paying very close attention to the details. He’s working things out for good. It just goes to show another example of how much he loves and cares for each one of us.

Father God, when things get confusing or heartbreaking show me your hand at work and in control over my life. May I remember that you were the one who formed the galaxies and you also made the very air I breathe. Thank you for always looking out for me. Your kingdom come, your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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An encouragement, a simple prayer, or a pithy observation... I would appreciate hearing from you. May God richly bless your day! ~Joanna