Keeping Hope Alive
By Sister Mary King
God has a purpose for His creation. Some have found their purpose, some are in route to their purpose and others are still searching for their purpose. The bottom line is we all have a purpose in life because God has given us hope.
When we think of hope, we think of moving forward with anticipation, confidence and expectations. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
We cross paths with many people in our lifetime, and some may have an impact on us. It was during one of these interactions that I met the grandmother of a little girl named Hope, a saved and sanctified woman, daughter of a preacher, whose faith in God was beyond strong. Her faith reminded me of Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote that faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” and her faith can really move mountains. She told me of her granddaughter’s health issues, and although the child was faced with trials at an early age, she was a fighter throughout. Her grandmother never lost hope. Even when faced with adversities, God kept her, and He gave her strength.
My church and Pastor prayed for the child and for God’s covering of the family. In our prayers we held on to hope, which God has given to us. Romans 5:1-5 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Often times we hear people say that “health is wealth.” Being healthy and without illness is considered greater than all the money in the world. Hope had an opportunity at life, and even though it was short, it impacted people around her. Even though her grandmother believes in God, the family’s faith was tested because of the dreaded illness which took control of not only Hope’s life, but their lives as well. Ultimately, Hope succumbed to her illness nearing her first birthday.
Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” We all deal with the loss of loved ones differently, and may approach healing in our own way, but we must remember “the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:11).