In the first video below, Joni shares her testimony, at that time, 46 years wheelchair bound; in the second video about her by Todd Friel, she was celebrating the anniversary date of her accident 52 years earlier.
Both these short videos are very heart wrenching and encouraging for all Christians who are enduring affliction.
While telling her story, she provides context and a biblical interpretation of Jeremiah 29:11, a verse that lots of people yank out of context to mislead others.
She also describes her Christianity before her accident as being self-centered and having confused the “abundant Christian life with the great American dream.” (The prosperity preachers extort many professed believers who do that.)
Other parts of her struggle include the initial depression after her accident; chronic pain; breast cancer.
In the following 3 minute video, Todd Friel articulates the types of affliction Joni speaks of while she prepares to “celebrate” the 52 year anniversary of the accident that left her wheelchair bound.
Psa 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
Psa 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
Psa 119:75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Psa 119:92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
(Next time you read Psalm 119, look for the other verses about the blessings of affliction.)
For other videos of Christian conversion testimonies, see Categories: Conversion Testimony.