The Many Faces of Hope

Sitting in upstate New York visiting an old college classmate, I've been reflecting on great memories and lasting friendships.

Recently, I was reminded of how hope is such a settling and sustaining component of our lives. What a depleted place it is when someone feels hopeless.

A passage in Proverbs says:

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."
— Proverbs 13:12

If you find yourself in a season where hope seems delayed, my encouragement to you is this: hold steadfastly to hope. Let the hope of God keep your heart and mind believing that your desire will come as a tree of life.

Over two years ago, Shari was confronted with what appeared to be a hopeless situation. My body was frail and seemingly giving up. Yet she, my family, and my friends chose hope.

At one point, a charge nurse came into the room and gently told Shari that if she and the kids felt it was time to let nature take its course, the medical team would make sure I was comfortable and free from pain.

In that moment, the medical team saw my condition. Shari saw the same condition, but there was one difference—she had hope. She believed her desire would come.

Hope has many stages and many faces.

These snapshots mark moments along the road—from hospital rooms filled with uncertainty to days filled with renewed purpose. Every picture tells a story of hope.

After making it through that near-death battle, my hope shifted toward making the very best of the days I have been given. Every day became a gift.

Regardless of our current situation, we must look beyond the present facts and remember that there is a Tree of Life waiting to fulfill God's purposes, dreams, and desires for us.

In what is often called the "Love Chapter," hope is mentioned repeatedly:

"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
— 1 Corinthians 13:7

And then Paul concludes:

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
— 1 Corinthians 13:13

May faith strengthen you, may hope sustain you, and may love surround you.

Hope to see you soon!

Mike Oliver