Theology | 102 comments | 9 min read

What Makes Me Long for Heaven

When My Quadriplegia Ends

Joni Eareckson Tada

Guest Contributor

On the morning of my wedding, my helpers laid me on a couch in the church’s bridal salon to dress me in my gown. They heaved and shifted my paralyzed body this way and that, trying to fit me into it. Since my childhood diving accident, which left me paralyzed from the neck down, I had grown accustomed to the difficulty of everyday activities. When I sat back in my wheelchair, I groaned. In the mirror, I looked like a float in a parade. 

Right before I wheeled up the aisle, my bouquet slid off my lap. That’s when I spotted a greasy tire mark on my hem. My chair was spiffed up, but it was still a big, clunky thing with belts and ball bearings. I was not the picture-perfect bride. 

Then I caught a glimpse of my husband, Ken, at the front. He was craning his neck, looking for me. My face grew hot, and my heart began to pound. Suddenly, my wheelchair and clumpy dress with its smudges faded away. I had seen my beloved, and how I looked no longer mattered. I couldn’t wait to get to the front to be with him. I may have felt unlovely, but the love in Ken’s face washed it all away. I was a pure and perfect bride. That’s what he saw, and that’s what changed me. 

 

One Glimpse of Him

Our first glimpse of our Savior may well be like this moment. Just one look from Jesus will completely transform us (1 John 3:2). And it’s why everything in me cries, “Come, Lord Jesus.” I long to be free of the stain of sin. And why wouldn’t I? Jesus gave Himself up for me that He might present the Church to himself as “radiant…without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27). 

He has given me a head start. For although my suffering has often felt overwhelming, it’s been God’s choicest tool in making me holy. My affliction keeps purging sin and selfishness out of my heart, honing me into the picture-perfect bride. Heaven is the holy habitation where I’ll be presented to Jesus spotless and blameless. And my suffering is helping with that. 

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A glorified body will be nice, but I want a pure heart. I want to be holy.

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Some don’t quite believe me. They think I want Jesus to come back so I can jump out of my wheelchair and walk again. Although at one time that was true, decades of leaning on Jesus in my suffering have driven my longings for heaven deeper. A glorified body will be nice, but I want a pure heart. I want to be holy. 

And so, as with any hopeful bride-in-waiting, I’m getting ready, trusting that “all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). How can I cling to the very sins that crushed my Lover against His cross? Why would I allow the serpent to coil himself around my heart when Jesus gave everything to crush his head? 

My Savior is the fairest of ten thousand, and his love is sweeter than wine, so I strive to live a “self-controlled, upright and godly [life] in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself…to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:12-14). 

Chorus of Sighs

I am not the only one who is aching for Christ’s return. John, in Revelation 22:17, tells us that “the Spirit and his bride say, ‘Come!’” I can see why. As “the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:14), the Spirit grieves when Christ’s betrothed shames the name of her Lord with doctrinal distortions and moral failure. Even the world mocks and scoffs when, 

“Tho’ with a scornful wonder, 
men see her sore oppressed, 
by schisms rent asunder, 
by heresies distressed.” 

And while the bride cries to be pure, so does the earth. Think of the horror and suffering that sin has brought upon the world. I have shared the Spirit’s pain when I see children with disabilities in impoverished countries being sold into slavery or further maimed to become pitiful beggars. Or when elderly people are abused. Or when children with chromosomal irregularities are aborted or devalued. I cry along with the Spirit for Jesus to come and “rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:4). 

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If in all my afflictions I have tasted the goodness of God, how can I not share that same goodness with my neighbors?

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Our bruised and broken planet, and all that dwells in it; all of creation, from starving animals to denuded forests; even the entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning for Christ to make all right at the unveiling of God’s glory in His sons and daughters (Romans 8:19). Oh, come soon, Lord Jesus! 

Yes, I ache for my Savior to speed His return, but I am keenly aware that “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient…not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). If in all my afflictions I have tasted the goodness of God, how can I not share that same goodness with my neighbors? My Bridegroom would want that, and so I eagerly give the good news to as many as possible. 

That Grand Moment

If we are blessed to be living at the time of Christ’s return, we will literally hear Him respond to our cry. Soon—perhaps sooner than we think—“the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The Bridegroom comes! 

We are now getting to the heart of why we long for Jesus’s return: it will be the end of the ages. Christ’s kingdom will be complete. His matchless name vindicated. Sin, death, the devil and his hordes—all of them—judged and destroyed. The glory of Jesus Christ filling the universe as He is crowned King of Kings. Earth and heaven restored. 

In a flash, we shall be glorified (1 Corinthians 15:51–52). We will finally grasp that the whole plan of redemption was the Father’s way of securing for His Son a wonderful gift: His spotless bride, His inheritance and joy. 

Grace That Brings Us Home

So we cry, “Come, Lord Jesus!” For we belong to Him, and we will spend all eternity praising the glory of His grace. Grace that rescued us from sin and sustained us in our weakness. Grace that brought us safely home (Ephesians 1:6). 

Now, picture with me great multitudes of the redeemed, pulsing with joy and infused with light. Surrounded by the angelic host, we shall press in line with the great procession of the saved, streaming through gates of pearl; an infinite procession from earth’s wide bounds and the oceans’ farthest coasts, all in one joyous parade; countless generations, all lifting our crowns before God. 

“Hallelujah!” we will shout. “For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him the glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:6-7). 

I am making myself ready. So, Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Come soon to carry your bride across your threshold, making all things—even us—new. 

This article was originally published by Desiring God on May 31, 2021. Permission to share this article was granted to Bible Study Fellowship by the author. Any additional requests to repost must be secured from the author, Joni Eareckson Tada.

About the Author

Joni Eareckson Tada is founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, an organization that provides Christian outreach in the disability community. She is a beloved author, speaker, and mouth artist, and an internationally renowned advocate for people with disabilities.

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102 Comments

  1. I read What makes me long for heaven. I loved it. I have seen her on TV but it’s me first time reading some of her work. Thanks for making this available. I have attended the last 3 BFS sessions. I love it.

    Reply
  2. Thanks Joni for sharing with us your heart. I enjoyed what you had to say. May God bless you as you continue to work for Him.

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  3. I thank BSF for all the articles sent to me. As a widow I have struggled in life with four children the youngest is still an epileptic boy.
    I joined BSF for 13 years ago as a GL & later as a Children’s Supervisor.
    My work entailed me to break a while from BSF but I joined again as a GL for another 3 years. Now at 80 years and the end of Revelation study (2025), I am so thankful that I had my Lord beside me all the time to raise up when I was low. Thank you so much for uplifting me by BSF studies.

    Reply
  4. Joni, God has graced you with the ability to put words to my heart. Thank you. After the study of Revelation The Hope, I see that Jesus is our only hope. Your life has touched my life. I praise Jesus for your testimony to the World.

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  5. Wow!! All praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!
    Thank you Joni for being such a great light for all of us to see in you.
    God bless you.

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  6. Inspiring to think of Heaven as so much more than rest and peace
    Longing for a pure heart to see my Savior
    Years of blessings in BSF
    I am thankful

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  7. What a Joy to read your message.
    We are waiting for You Jesus. Yes come, come Jesus, we are waiting.

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  8. G’morning from Michigan, Revelation was a study that was easy to invite people to. Wanting to know God’s Promise for our future in His new heaven & earth is a question in everyone’s hearts. Revelation has been such a wonderful study and has built wonderful relationships… accountability partners!
    I would like to suggest that a descriptive paragraph of Exile and Return would be helpful to be able to describe next year study to others.

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    • Hi Mary Lou – you can find that Exile & Return paragraph here! https://joinbsf.com

      Reply
  9. I love BSF. God directed me to BSF so study and truly learn His word. I have I have love ever part of this study. I have a better understanding of suffering and that God wants us to suffer but he is with us every minute. I pray a lot. I do not have beautiful prayers like some individuals have but I know in my heart that God loves my prayers. Thank you God for wanting me in your creation. Thank you God for taking care of me during my many bouts with Cancer.Thank you God for leading me when strayed. You are a wonderful God and a fair God you all. You give all every chance to redeem themselves and come with you. I pray that Jesus is the only way. Thank you God and Jesus for leading me and showing me the Way. Thank YOU for your Grace Thank You God for YOUR LOVE! I can’t wait to get to heaven. You are the only ONLY ONE! PLEASE GOD CREATE in me A CLEAN HEART and a RIGHT SPIRIT and FILL My HEART with LOVE for YOU and ALL OTHERS!

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  10. Thank you ever so much for your message Joni. It is very inspiring, and has touched me deeply. I pray that I will take to heart God’s call from I Peter 1:15-16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”

    Thank you for sharing. May God continue to bless you and your Ministry

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  11. Praise the Lord, thank you.

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  12. beautiful blog

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  13. Wow it is incredibly inspiring. God indeed uses our infliction as the tools to grow our faith. We shall see our weakness as a blessing. As in our weakness, God’s power is fully displayed.

    Pray that God will speak to us again like before, and repeat his awesome deeds in our days. Come Lord 🙏🙏🙏

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  14. Just…..thank you Joni, for all of your encouraging words. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

    Reply
  15. Thank You. I needed to read this. An encouraging Article and very profound.

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  16. Since starting bible study I have had an experience that increases and enriches my life. I am very thankful for this opportunity.

    Reply
  17. Excellent, thanks for sharing.
    Have a great week
    Ann

    Reply
  18. I needed to hear Joni’s words of expectation to be holy. The glamour of Heaven doesn’t impress me, so these recent studies have felt dry. I want to be holy and perfected in CHRIST to see my LORD face to face. And to see HIM looking at me with joy.

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  19. This wonderful commentary from Joni brings me to tears as I think of that glorious Day when Christ Jesus will come for His bride! I was struck (convicted, really) by her comment “If in all my afflictions I have tasted the goodness of God, how can I not share that same goodness with my neighbors?” My prayer is to become a better witness for Jesus.

    Thank you, Joni & BSF for putting this out for us!
    Happy Resurrection Day to all!

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  20. Thank you for the word of God who shows us that we must live in the holy life and save the lost by preaching the good gospel in our church and in our community .Thank you also to encourage us .

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  21. The Story Was BREATHE Taking And Encouraging When We Rely On GOD All Things Are Possible There Nothing Out Of Our Reach No Matter What State We Are In GOD Is Our HOPE When You BELIEVE AND RUN 🏃‍♂️ AWAY WITH YOUR FAITH THERE NOTHING CAN STOP YOU 🙏🙌

    Reply
  22. Your writing “What Makes Me Long for Heaven” was so inspiring
    and at this time of Easter .My heart is filled with so much love and joy
    just knowing what our Savior has waiting for us. Plus all the insight
    I have received from my study of Revelation with the BSF group and
    how it has given me the opportunity to share more with others the
    love of our God. Thank you for sharing and for the work you do.

    Reply
    • Thank you for this article Joni and the sharing of your wedding day as you saw your bridegroom waiting for you and the comparison of how it will be when we see Jesus as his bride the Church..
      Thankyou BSF for the wonderful study of Revelations and the materials for the School Programme where I had the privilege of facilitating the children’s study of the book. Even small ones have been ministered to bother Holy Spirit picking up on the marvelous mysteries hidden in God’s word.
      I am amazed myself at how God has ministered deeply to me as I gazed with John on the majesty, love, goodness and yes justice and mercy of our God.
      Looking forward to the next study.

      Reply
  23. THANK YOU! So profound and a much needed read… thank you for your encouraging and hope filled words!

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  24. I am thankful that a friend shared this blog with me. If anybody’s word carries weight on the subject of looking forward to heaven,, it would be Joni’s. While I am not aging as gracefully as I had hoped I would, my biggest struggles will always be with the pain brought by my heart and mind so her words of encouragement resonate with me.

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  25. So encouraging!

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  26. Dear Lord give me that deep desire to have a pure heart and to be holy. I pray I long for that day with such passion. Amen

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  27. Often times it is hard to believe that people like you exist, so when I am privileged to be touched by you I respond with prayer of thanks to God & for blessings to be bestowed upon you, your family & loved ones, and for all of God’s creation, Joni!

    Reply
  28. An absoutely beautiful heart letter from Joni Erickson Tada!!! She has been praying the same prayer I have been praying, Psalm 51:10–“Give me a clean heart and put a new and right spirit within me”, as that’s the BEST we can give Our Jesus — a HOLY HEART! Thank you Jesus!

    Reply
  29. Thank you Joni for such a beautiful, inspiring testimony, I have read all your books, some of them several times, they have been inspirational in my walk with Jesus, I pray that God will continue to bless you and use you for the furtherance of His kingdom.

    Reply
    • The devotional with several meaningful paragraphs was very inspiring. I learned about Joni and her accident while I was a young teenager. I read her first book.
      I’d like to know more about other books she has written.
      Thank you, Joni for sharing your story, your suffering, and your wanting to be holy and unblemished when our bridegroom comes! Love and prayers in Christ Jesus! Beth Ann from Nebraska

      Reply
  30. Joni: You display the grace and truth and hope of Jesus for everyone. Wirh a grateful heart-

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  31. When my son Justin Russell died at age of 15 my heart kind of died and was reborn at the same time.

    Our God Almighty came to me by power of His Holy Spirit at my son’s funeral. He presented Himself to me by way of both a shekinah glory cloud and a voice which told me “Not to fear, I will
    never leave you nor forsake you”.
    The circumstances of my sons death brought much shame to me and my family and it was almost paramount over my sons death . Hence, the reason for God to give me His words of support.

    My heart, mind and soul were in a paralyzed state.

    I don’t know how Joni ERIKSON TADAs book about her accident came into my hands to read, but it was at the exact time of my life to give me the inspiration I needed to move on in my life.
    I’ve prayed for and followed her ministry up to this time. I didn’t know that she wrote anything or belonged to BSF until now.
    I just read her letter which she presented to BSF and before realizing that she had written it for BSF I had it in my heart to read it aloud to the BSF sharing day on May 7th.
    It’s quite long though, because I think they only allow a couple of minutes. But, maybe I can shorten it? May I have permission to read some of it ?

    I look forward to the bride and the bridegroom finally taking up our position without flaw. I married Jesus when I made my first Holy Communion. Since then I married 4 times. I’m like the woman at the well.
    Joni’s letter is such confirmation to me that for all these years, my desire is to finally be the holy bride. The Revelation study has changed my life so much this 80th year of my life. I’ve attended BSF since 1992.
    After my son died, I prayed heart fully to get to know God through His Holy Word and by His Holy Spirit. I fell many times, got up, repented and still fell and I’m so ready to be partaking in the wedding whether its tomorrow or 20 years from now .
    Thank you Joni for bringing such incredible inspiration to me through all these years . Jeanne

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  32. When we realize that God loves us (John 3:16) and He holds us dear because we were created by Him to be like Him, what a glorious time we shall have! We have all fallen short (Rom 3:23), but it is God’s forgiveness, mercy and grace that we are still here. John 1:1-2 said that ,”In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”

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  33. This was a very inspirational read. I love Joni and have been a huge fan of her. I thank God for keeping her in perfect peace. I have not seen or heard anything from her for many years now. It was nice to see and read something from her again.

    Reply
  34. Such a profound and heartfelt article.
    It’s inspiring to see how you embrace your suffering as a tool for holiness and how your hope in Jesus transcends earthly struggles. Your words resonate with the truth about longing for redemption and the joy that awaits.
    Thank you for reminding me of the beauty in vulnerability and the promise of grace.

    Reply
  35. Bless Joni for the powerful testimony

    It speaks to me as I have been working with children living with disabilities in schools in Tanzania.

    However, reading it within the backdrop of the Study of Revelation, it gives new meaning and relevance to the Hymn; Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

    It is one of the Hymns we sing almost every other week in our BSF Classes and Leaders’ Meetings. I always sing with zeal at the thought of the things of this world ‘growing strangely dim’.

    Today two NEW thoughts have been revealed to me:

    1. I did not consider that such deep pain and suffering could be one of the things of this world that would grow strangely dim. I had only thought of luxuries and everyday needs and wants.

    2. I had never thought of the turning of eyes upon Jesus to be done once and stay there! I think what I do and I maybe others do is Turn my eyes upon Him and then off and then turn again

    May the Holy Spirit Lead

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  36. Joni- what a gift and inspiration you are. Not only to the “disabled” community, but to all of us. In a very real sense, we all have “disabilities”, and your message of courage, hope and love shines intensely bright to guide us to the Lord and Christ- like living. Thank you; thank you.

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  37. Wonderful reassuring scriptures and dialogue .So God centered and encouraging , in the light of Joni’s lifelong experience with severe disability ,she is so tremendously encouraging.

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  38. This article is so wonderful to start your day with. Thank you Joni for this beautiful writing. It gives hope here on earth and grows my yearning for heaven even more than I already have. ♥️🙏🏻

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  39. Beautiful and encouraging

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  40. This is the very thing we discussed in BSF last night after our study time. How wonderfully glorious to finally behold His beautiful face! Thank you for sharing these encouraging words 💞

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  41. What a beautiful and heartwarming testimony in words from God’s faithful servant. This article is so timely and touched my heart as I care for my husband in his state of physical impairments that has been so devastating to his mental and spiritual state of mind. Joni’s living testimony will be shared with him with prayer that he will see that his condition is only temporary until he get to that heavenly home where there will be no more pain and suffering a new body awaits “A glorified body will be nice – but I want a pure heart”. Those words echoed the cry of my heart!

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    • Praying for your husband.

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  42. Oh, yes! Our hearts cry is to be made new! Not merely, or first, our bodies, but our hearts, our souls, the center of us, made new, made holy, made fit for our Lord’s possession! Maranatha indeed. Only by your finished work of redemption, Lord, may we be made right for you, and we do long for that day.

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  43. How timely when we are studying revelation. I have about the same age as Joni and she has always been excellent example to so many

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  44. Thank you for this beautiful display of words that has made my heart rejoice and jump for joy as I wait for my Beloved to come for His cherished bride. “Come Lord Jesus come” my heart cried out to Him this morning.

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  45. God bless BSF for joining with Joni and sharing her tender story of marriage and her heart being changed by seeing her husband. It’s such a vision of what it will be like in heaven and how this world is not something to focus on.

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    • A great lesson from Joni is that God loves us in spite of the challenges we go through in this world, i desire to know Him more and more.

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  46. “A glorified body will be nice – but I want a pure heart”. Those words echoed the cry of my heart!! Above all I want to be face to face with my Creator. ❤️

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  47. Sitting by the side of the bed on which my wife is lying with a fractured leg, I read his article with tearful eyes. She taught me in a marvelous way what will be my experience when I see my Savior face to face.

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  48. This was simply beautiful.

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  49. The article about Jesus return and how suffering helped me to realize that physical death is really nothing compared with the glory that awaits for us believers in the promised new Jerusalem and the study of the book of Revelation trough BSF helped me to fully understand that.

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  50. BSF has been a huge part of my spiritual growth through the knowledge of the study of the word . BSF with their detailed Bible lessons help me to achieve it . Praise God for BSF.

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  51. Thank you for this beautiful article!
    Revelation has filled me with hope .
    Hallelujah! Jesus is coming soon.

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  52. Thanking God for Joni and her heartfelt testimonies for Jesus her Savior , & her gifted vignettes painted by Her heartfelt words shared from the truths of scripture that inspires them🙌&
    for the edification & inspiration they bring …”How can I cling to the very sins that crushed my Lover against His cross?
    Why would I allow the serpent to coil himself around my heart when Jesus gave everything to crush his head ?

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  53. I so admire Joni and am amazed at her devotion to Christ. I know her daily life is a struggle but honestly when I watch her on Instagram she looks radiant and whole in my mind. God bless her. Come Lord Jesus.

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  54. This message open my eyes. This was powerful.
    Thank you 😊

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  55. I was humbled by this article this brought me to tears understanding that I too will be looked upon as a beautiful bride when Chris returns. I too want to be pure and holy for He is Holy!!!

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  56. I have been in BSF for about 24 years and it’s always new and exciting. The notes are the best read imaginable.
    The sisterhood is amazing. We are United prayer warriors as we pray and praise the Lord. It’s a blessed and wonderful study.
    My daughter is the one who encouraged me to attend- I asked my boss to take that morning off and he said YES.

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  57. I loved Joni’s devotional about Jesus’ return for His bride. She is so honest about wanting to be restored in her body but even more for her heart to be pure. That struck me more as we all need to desire that pure heart when we say “Come, Lord Jesus, come!”. I love this because we all need our bodies restored but even more we must desire that pure heart to see Jesus!

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  58. Looking and longing for Christ’s return with patient hope! This old, wicked world will pass away. We will be made new, and we will see Him face to face!

    Maranatha!

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  59. What a blessing! Come Lord Jesus. We wait with great anticipation, waiting but not inactive. Reading these words by Ms Tada is the perfect ending to our Revelation study but at the same time a beginning and/or continuation of our wonderful hope in Jesus. Not a shallow hope but hope grounded in the Word of God that we know to be true! I praise God for His loving kindness toward us!

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  60. Very inspiring, may God bless you abundantly. I too look forward to this great life with God forever.

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  61. one day we will live without the distractions of the flesh, we shall be one, flesh, soul and spirit as our Saviour is.

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  62. Thank you, Joni! Indeed, awaiting Jesus’ return is something a disabled longs for. Thank you for the encouragement not to waver but to press on and move for Jesus.

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  63. Praise be to The Lord Alone.
    This artical of Joni Eareckson Tada, spoke to my soul. Heartfelt thanks for this post.
    Yes, I crave to be PURE HEARTED Bride of Jesus. When Joni wrote that one look from Jesus will make me perfect and pure, I cling to the WORD, the tool God uses. I came to realise that indeed in my own suffering my longing for Lord’s Dwelling Place is driven deeper.
    Two very powerful points drew my attention. 1) ” How can I cling to the very sin that crushed my lover against HIS cross”. 2) When I have tasted the goodness of God, how can I not share that same goodness. Yes I testify to Glorify Lord. And now after reading this artical, my strength, excitement and zeal refreshed. God Bless Joni and the team through which this artical was published and republished.

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  64. That image of the bride and groom is such a powerful metaphor—especially when we think about our imperfections and how we’re still deeply loved and pursued anyway. Not being the “perfect bride” really speaks to grace, redemption, and being fully accepted, even when we fall short.

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  65. I loved the article that Joni wrote about how Jesus 🙏 is coming back for is bride which
    is the church. The study of
    Relegation ties in what Joni is
    talking about. Jesus is definitely my hope in the past,now in the presence and for the future. Come Lord Jesus Come!

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  66. I’m just finishing the Revelation study. I’ve done many studies but this one was excellent. I learned so much and feel much closer to God. Looking forward to the next study

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  67. Joni is such an inspiration! A true servant of God!

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  68. “IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL !! “
    WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

    PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!!!

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    • Very moving story !!!
      We thank God for your life.

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    • This has been such a wonderful study in the book of Revelation with BSF. It has opened the eyes of my heart and awakened my awareness of His coming. The battle is real but He is on the throne. Joni has so perfectly expressed how we should long for our beloved, not to receive perfection but to be one with our true love. To be in perfect union with our creater and king. He is coming and what a glorious day that will be. Matthew 25:13 NKJV
      [13] “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
      Shalom Shalom

      Reply
  69. I was also 17 when joni had her diving accident and i have followed her life throughout my life. She has encouraged me many times, and now that we are both 75 (or close to it) i wonder if her longings for heaven have changed. I have also been challenged with much that God has allowed to happen to me physically and emotionally. Through every event, I grew stronger and closer to my Lord.
    My favorite quote this time is: “A glorified body will be nice, but I want a pure heart, I want to be holy”. Powerful words! and at 75 I can understand that. At 50 i would not have felt the same way. Praise God for Joni and her faith and that she has shared her life and faith.

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  70. Thank you for all you doing, for bringing God’s word in different languages, many countries. Praise the Lord for freedom 🙏

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  71. Joni is such an inspiration…The embodiment of “holding fast”!

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    • I remember when Joni had the accident, I am 81years old. Her journey has been inspiring! Also, I love BSF;along with my church, it has helped keep me focused on God’s word and my personal witness & service!

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  72. Thank you my precious sister Joni! My grandson Garrett who is 24/7 dependent upon his parents will say “my Jesus I love thee,” with understanding when he enters His Creator’s presence. Yes, my Garrett will get a new body, but like you Joni, I just know Garrett longs to be pure and holy. What joy fills my soul!

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  73. fantastic article…thank you

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  74. Thanks for sharing this story. What a beautiful person she and her husband must be. I feel stronger in my daily struggles by reading this. Amen for persons like this who can share with us their struggles. Eternal life with no pain, sorrow, tears, hate, fear, struggles with be our final destination. I think as well that our Lord s coming is closer than ever before.
    Prayers to all – Nothing But the Blood of Jesus-can save us
    AMEN

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  75. Wish there was something here in folsom or Eldorado hill’s California

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    • Dear Kathy – have you considered BSFonline? You can join a BSF group that meets on Zoom from anywhere! to learn more, go to joinbsf.com

      Reply
    • There is—we meet at Discovery Hills Church in Shingle Springs. We’d love you to join us.

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  76. TY for sharing. He is coming for His bride.

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  77. This was awesome !!! Thank you for sharing it.

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  78. What a beautiful truth! I long to have a heart that only beats for my Lord and Savior so I might be an example and not fearful to share His Salvation to as many as I can for as long as I can. Come Lord Jesus COME!

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  79. I used to attend a BSF group in Melbourne, Florida, but my life changed three years ago and I am only in Florida January-April. I am in two separate places September-December, so it’s not feasible to join a group in those places . My question is: is it possible to join a group for when I’m in Florida, January-April? The only day I’m not available is Thursday as that’s when I volunteer at my local zoo.
    Thank you for your help!
    Leslie

    Reply
    • Dear Leslie – have you considered BSFonline? You can join a BSF group that meets on Zoom from anywhere! to learn more, go to joinbsf.com.
      Or to contact a class in each area to discuss your situation, find a group at joinbsf.com!

      Reply
    • Leslie, I’m in a BSF group on Zoom starting at 5:00 Pacific Time on Thursdays.

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    • Hi Leslie,
      I have joined groups every time I traveled away and found them welcoming no matter how long I stay. God bless you as you look for the right group/s.

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  80. As a BSF student I would like to Thank you for sharing the extra blogs that you send out. This one was especially meaningful at this time of year. Easter Blessings to the BSF Staff!

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    • Beautiful! I enjoyed the read.

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  81. I’d like to open my account to sign up for this BSF study. Can you help me.

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    • Dear Annu – to learn more about how to join BSF, visit joinbsf.com!

      Reply
  82. Wonderful article by Joni. What a blessing to know Jesus will return soon

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  83. Joni is an inspiration to me. I have met her twice. I have gone to El Salvador on 8 trips for WFTW and continue to go on Family Retreats in Ohio. I receive her daily emails. My prayers are with her and the organizations she developed. And one day we’ll be rejoicing with our LORD – maker of heaven and earth. God’s blessings to you all!!!

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  84. Thank you for sending me this message.

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  85. Praise God for your timely comments as our Revelations Study is so fresh and present in our minds. Thank you for the personal wedding story that gives us such a loving picture of the bride and the bridegroom. You give life to our lessons and understanding for the eternity to come. I have read about your life before I became a believer, and have followed your work and blessings. You serve the Risen Savior in such a fine manner. God bless you, Joni!

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  86. Wonderful !

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    • She is such a strong sister in faith!

      Reply

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