Fix your eyes on Jesus

Hebrews. 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

We have a great heritage in the church of faithful followers of Jesus who have suffered and endured much.  In their pain and suffering they have sought wisdom and understanding of the great love of God.  

Joni Erickson Tada has suffered much and is now suffering with cancer.  She has her bad days like everyone else.  Ken, her husband of 30 years is her caregiver as well.  They have help, but Ken carries a primary responsibility.  Recently it was revealed in a new book Ken and Joni co-authored that Ken suffered from depression.  The book is about their journey together.  Ken loves the beauty of her faith and mind.  Wouldn’t it be interesting to be in a caregiver support group with Ken.  He knew up front in their marriage that Joni had special needs.  He knowingly choose to link his life to hers.  

The book coming out in April is called, “Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story.  When Joni was diagnosed with cancer Ken was going through a spiritual transformation of his own.  Their new book is about sharing, with honesty, the highs and lows of their 30-year marriage and how, as each looked to God to find strength to carry on.  They also found themselves drawing closer, in God’s perfect love triangle.

That triangle with God makes them strong.  Like the three cords in Ecclesiastes 4:12 that are not easily broken we are strengthened by God in our life.

So fix your eyes on Jesus with the eyes of faith.  You will learn so much about the preciousness and blessings that help to see the wonders God can reveal.  It will make you stronger. You will be a greater blessing to the one who needs your love and care.  As you live in close contact with Jesus, the Light of Jesus’s presence will filter through you to bless others.  Intersperse peaceful interludes with Jesus throughout your day.  As with Ken and Joni, let the third chord of God’s presence in your caregiving bless your caregiving.

God bless, Tom