Joni Eareckson Tada Shares How Paralysis Transformed Her Faith

Joni Eareckson Tada’s Life-Changing Accident

Joni Eareckson Tada is a powerful example of how God can take profound hardship and use it for His glory and our good.

In 1967, at age 17, a diving accident in shallow water left her quadriplegic, paralyzed from the shoulders down. What followed was a dark time of despair, depression, and even attempts at suicide. In our conversation, Joni recalled those difficult moments, saying, “ That is to me of a precious memory of what God can take us from when we embrace His son, Jesus.”

Today, over 58 years later, Joni continues to inspire millions as an author, speaker, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, a ministry accelerating Christian outreach to those with disabilities. 

God’s Sovereignty in Suffering

At the heart of Joni Eareckson Tada’s testimony is God’s sovereignty, even in suffering. She shared with me, “At first when I heard about the sovereignty of God. . . I was frightened by that idea. It was scary because if that was the God who allowed this to happen, then how can He possibly be good? What is His idea of good?”

But Joni heard something from a friend one day that changed her life: “ God permits what he hates to accomplish that which he loves.” Joni explained, “ The whole point behind my quadriplegia is that I get to know Jesus in such a tender, warm, poignant, personal, powerful way.”

She pointed out that we see this in Jesus Himself: the world’s worst murder—the crucifixion—became the world’s only salvation.

Jesus Understands Our Pain

Joni also reminded us that, from the very beginning of His life, Jesus identified with our weakness. 

Rather than entering the world with trumpets and red carpets, He was born in a humble manger. God understands our pain and suffering. 

 This is a conversation everyone should hear this Christmas. Hear more of Joni’s story and her reflections on the Christmas season in my most recent episode of The Greg Laurie Show. Listen here.