Wednesday, October 17, 2018


HOPE
By Karen D’Amore

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
 Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

Just weeks after losing her mother to cancer, my client/friend was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. Having spent months supporting her through her mother’s illness, I was stunned by her disheartening news. As I attempted to digest her prognosis, I felt crippled with helplessness…and initially, a feeling of hopelessness.

Committing to walk through this battle with her, I prayed for distinct ways to encourage her. And as I wallowed in those feelings of hopelessness, God clearly impressed on my heart the word…HOPE!
The Free-Dictionary’s definition of hope is: to wish  for something with expectation of its fulfillment; desire, aspiration. In contrast, biblical HOPE transcends far beyond a fragile and flimsy “wish.”

“According to the Hebrew and Greek words translated by the word “hope” and according to biblical usage, HOPE is an indication of certainty. “Hope” in Scripture means “a strong and confident expectation.” Though archaic today in modern terms, HOPE is akin to trust and a confident expectation.” [1, emphasis added]

As a believer, my friend is embracing this battle with confident assurance that her HOPE is in the Lord. She’s also trusting God has allowed this battle to pass through her life for His purpose. Because I am a  former cancer warrior, God is continually redeeming my cancer battle to comfort and encourage her.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV).

It’s been several months since my friend’s initial diagnosis. Her good news/bad news journey fluctuates daily, with some tumors shrinking while others continue to grow. Her future is uncertain; each time I see her, I recognize it could be the last. Believing God called me to encourage her with inspired words of HOPE, each visit I leave her with an object/gift with the word HOPE on it. With her chemo-ravaged body displaying distinct signs of illness…I’m HOPE-full and encouraged, as her Spirit reflects the joy of the Lord.

Is your soul downcast by life’s struggles? Are you in a situation that feels hopeless?  Turn to God…the True source of HOPE! And… “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13, NIV, emphasis added).

                                                He
                                                Offers
                                                Peace
                                                Everyday

GOING DEEPER:
1.  What have you fixed your hope on?

FURTHER READING:

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.