It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent. We must settle the issue of why we live. In so doing, we will enter the foyer of heaven and our most powerful days of earthly effectiveness.

A diving accident confined her to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic at age 17. She is 75 years old now. I have had the amazing privilege of being with Joni Earickson Tada on several occasions, one of the greatest honors of my life. I have never met a person who is so filled with God…whose life radiates the life of Christ with such clarity and power. To be in the room with her is to be overcome with the presence of God. It is overwhelming.

Even though there has hardly been a single day without pain, joy and contentment, peace and power flow from her “like rivers of living water.” How could this possibly be?

As you hear her testimony, she will tell you that, early on, she settled the issue of why she lived—not for comfort but, like Paul, for “Christ to be magnified in her body, whether by life or by death.” For to her, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-21). This foundational surrender changed everything and has given her almost 60 years of astounding, broad influence for the kingdom of God. She seems to experience an intimacy with Christ that few enjoy and a spiritual power that few access. Her explanation is that, by the grace of God, she embraced His sovereignty.

Paul’s Life Purpose

When Paul was making his final trip to Jerusalem from his third missionary journey, multiple people told him that he would face suffering if he returned there. He listened graciously…and kept going.

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