A Step Further

Ever wonder why suffering? Most of us have. Ever feel like you are all alone with your pain, so who benefits by it? Joni Eareckson Tada speaks from the bitter struggles of her own wrestlings with God over her paralysis from a diving accident at age 17. At one point in her struggles, she decided to ask for an annointing service, fully expecting to be completely healed. It didn't happen. More wrestling with God followed until Joni discovered that she was caught in a cosmic conflict. Either she could sign off on God or she could trust Him in spite of her pain and hopeless condition. She turned to the book of Job in the Bible and found there one possible reason for her pain. Choosing to trust God makes all the difference in her life. Since I've suffered many years with chronic Lyme Disease, I can identify with Joni. Yet, there are times when I wonder who this trial is benefiting. Many times I've felt like an island of misery, handicapped by my disease, but Joni's account of her own struggles gave me a lot of comfort! I especially liked when a friend told her that there were many others watching her even though she could not see them--the good and evil angels. Her life and how she managed to cling to God in spite of seeming uselessness sent a clear message: God's grace is sufficient for any trial. Indeed, Joni's life continues to be a great inspiration to others whether their pain is physical or emotional. A STEP FURTHER, by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Estes will always be a classic reread. Betty L. Sheldon, author of OMNIPIECE

I bought this book for my wife's birthday 2.5 years ago, and I ended up reading it first. Joni became a quadriplegic after a diving accident during her high school years and now is a major player in accelerating Christian outreach in the disability community throughout the world. A Step Further is a sequel to her classic autobiography, Joni, and a personal view of Joni's own journey into suffering and what she discovered along the way, conveyed in stories, anecdotes, and narrative. This Gold Medallion Award-winning book is a fast and easy read that I highly recommend.

Joni has experienced hardship first hand, and she understands (and acknowledges) the hurt that we feel as children of God. This book really impressed upon me that we cannot see God's provision or glory if our lives are moving along without any problems. God uses the hard times in our life to get our attention and to reveal Himself in a more personal, powerful way. This book really helped me deal with emotions related to my cancer -- Joni does not promise a happy ending (in our definition) to all of life's problems, but she does point out that nothing happens outside of God's control or love. She is believable because she has experienced this herself.

I decided to write a review on this book because no one has yet and someone should let you know what a treasure it is. Although it has been years since I read it, this book has meant the most to me of all the books on my Christian bookshelves (except the Bible of course). Joni's experience of suffering paralysis after a tragic diving accident at age 17 has given her a unique perspective on suffering. It speaks to God's ability to see us through anything. I read it during a season of suffering, depression, anger and questioning. Joni speaks deep truths from the Lord that resonate within your spirit and help you to find peace in Christ. She helped me believe that God loves me and I learned to accept the difficult circumstances God was taking me through. Notice I said "through," Joni has been through the valleys, where there are no easy answers, and has come out victorious on the other side. One of the most beautiful aspects of Joni's book is how clearly her joy and hope shine through what could have been a life of darkness in her wheelchair.I encourage you to read it if you need this peace, hope and joy. I often give it to friends in troubled times.