The Oxygen of Hope
A very big key ingredient of my journey for the last 10 years has been hope. I remember the day I was diagnosed with the big C word (cancer). It was devastating! Floyd and I sat in the car and cried together - and then we prayed. We gave the burden of it to the Lord. We asked for healing. We asked for grace for the path ahead. And we asked for hope to be planted in our hearts. I believe it was - a kernel of hope was deposited deeply and securely in our hearts.
Through the ups and downs. Through the good days and bad days. In the day, and especially in the nights - hope was there. It cried out to the Lord for healing relief and for strength to carry on. We breathe oxygen to live. Hope became a kind of oxygen that helped my heart survive.
My oncologist says that hope is a key ingredient in her patients that make it through cancer treatment. She said some of her patients just give up as soon as they hear the word cancer. And others gear up for the battle and cling to hope in their hearts. She says without hope, they don't make it.
I picture that kernel of hope growing into a tree in my heart. It's been fed by the Lord as it’s grown. I continue to cling to it as my journey goes on. I couldn't have made it without hope.
"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
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." Psalm 62:5,6
During this month as I've thanked the Lord that I'm still alive after 10 years of living with and battling cancer, I am so aware of the hope that God put in my heart all those years ago sitting in that car. Thank you, Lord, for the oxygen of hope in my heart! It's been a lifesaver.
About the Author: Sally McClung is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team and is co-founder of All Nations. Her husband, Floyd McClung, was a world-renown missions leader. Floyd went to be with Jesus in 2021. He is the author of 16 books, including the best-selling books, “The Father Heart of God” and “Living on the Devil’s Doorstep.”
Staying Connected or Learning More
Help share this and other blogs with your friends and ministry leaders! It would also be a huge help if you could please follow us on social media via the links below! Thank you!
If you would like to receive leadership updates, link here to stay current on All Nations International’s news and prayer efforts! To learn more about All Nations today, visit: www.allnations.international!
Are you wondering if you are wired to go? This area on our web site will help you!
We have plenty other resources (devotion, book club, events) and a monthly global prayer for the neglected! You are welcome to join us.
Give today to see the neglected globally reached — the least, the last, and the lost!
www.allnations.international
Reaching the neglected globally — the least, the last, and the lost since 1993.
