missions
Five Points in My Pain: How God’s Sovereignty Comforts Me
By Joni Eareckson Tada at Desiring God
· June 17, 2026
· 8 min read
When I used to travel extensively, I always packed my Bible reading plan. That way, even if I were thousands of miles from home, my husband, Ken, and I would be in sync on our daily readings. More than twenty years later, I can no longer travel, but Ken and I still make our annual journey from Genes
Key takeaway We have always seen him as sovereign and majestic, but nowadays, we step away from our Bibles, marveling at the dazzling glory of Almighty God.
Why this matters
The author's personal experience of suffering and paralysis serves as a poignant backdrop to explore the comforting doctrine of God's sovereignty. By delving into the doctrines of grace, specifically total depravity, the author highlights the profound impact of recognizing one's spiritual weakness. This understanding is crucial in missions, where Christians often face immense challenges and hardships. The author's testimony illustrates how embracing God's sovereignty can bring comfort in the midst of pain, a message that resonates with missionaries and humanitarian workers who encounter suffering daily. As Christians engage in charitable work and disaster relief, they must grapple with the reality of human weakness and the limitations of their efforts. The doctrine of God's sovereignty offers a reassuring perspective, reminding them that even in the darkest moments, God is still in control, working out his plan for salvation and redemption. This perspective can sustain and motivate Christians in their ministry and humanitarian endeavors.
About this story
Original reporting by Desiring God . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Desiring God . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: missions ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: Desiring God ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When I used to travel extensively, I always packed my Bible reading plan. That way, even if I were thousands of miles from home, my husband, Ken, and I would be in sync on our daily readings. More than twenty years later, I can no longer travel, but Ken and I still make our annual journey from Genes
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by Desiring God and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joni Eareckson Tada at Desiring God. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .