Life Before the Diving Accident
Joni Eareckson Tada was a vibrant teenager in Baltimore, Maryland, thriving in an active family and indulging in her love for sports. Yet, beneath the surface, she admitted to living a life of rebellion and immorality. She confessed, 'I was living a life of sexual impurity and immorality, and I knew it was going to get worse.' Her relationship with Jesus was distant, as she described Him as 'kind of tucked in my back hip pocket.'
The Diving Accident Changes Everything
On July 30, 1967, her life changed dramatically when a diving accident in the Chesapeake Bay left her a quadriplegic at 17. Her sister Kathy's timely intervention saved her from drowning. This incident led Joni into a period of darkness, filled with anger, depression, and questioning God's goodness. 'How can any of this be God's will?' she wondered.
Finding God Through Suffering
However, through the guidance of a friend, Steve Estes, she began to understand God's sovereignty even in suffering. He pointed out, 'Look at what God allowed in the life of His own son, Jesus. He allowed murder, injustice, torture... how can any of that be good in our eyes or even His?' This realization shifted her perspective, allowing her to see God's purpose in her injury. 'God permits what he hates to accomplish that which he loves,' she concluded.
Transformed Life and Ministry
Joni embraced her new reality, learning to paint with a brush between her teeth and finding strength in her faith. 'My weakness, that is, my quadriplegia, is my greatest asset because it forces me into the arms of Christ every single morning,' she shared. Her wheelchair became a symbol of independence, and she found joy in her relationship with Jesus.
In 1979, Joni founded Joni and Friends, a ministry dedicated to supporting the disability community. 'I got to pass the good news on to other people with disabilities,' she said, driven by a desire to share the hope she found. The ministry has since delivered over 170,000 wheelchairs and Bibles to people in need around the world.
Joni's journey is a testament to God's grace and faithfulness. She continues to rely on Jesus daily, saying, 'I cannot do quadriplegia today. I am so tired of the pain and the challenges, but I can do all things through you, Jesus, if you would but strengthen me.' Her life stands as a powerful reminder that God's plans, though mysterious, are always for good.
