Here in Middle Tennessee, we’ve had a lovely fall. The changing of the leaves has produced some beautiful vistas this year. Out our back door are a few deciduous trees. One tree, a maple, I think, was particularly lovely. Most afternoons, we’d sit outside and marvel at its beauty…until a strong wind sent most of the leaves to their demise. Except two leaves at the end
of one of the branches. Those two have endured everything that nature has thrown at it. They bend in the breeze, but never let go. Right now, they are still hanging on almost as if defying whatever has destroyed their fellow foliage. I look out every day expecting to see a barren stem, but no, these two are hanging in there. I have to wonder, too, if their being together gives them the stamina. Another lesson in the everyday.
Perseverance. It is a virtue possible in all of us, but it is developed through a process of perhaps unsavory conditions and hardships. Paul wrote to the Roman church:
“…we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint…” (Romans 5: 3-5). This is when one trial leads to another to achieve an ultimate goal. The maple tree doesn’t seem to have a goal, but its example to me is profound.
We have friends and family right now who are clinging to hope through horrific trials. Hang in there. Hold on. Don’t let go. Let these times produce perseverance, character, and hope. And it’s the kind of hope that does not disappoint, so says the scripture.
When I was researching my book The Words We Sing, I found that the word “hope” (which we sing at church often) is hard to define in biblical terms, because it’s been corrupted by the world as “making a wish” or “looking on the bright side.” But in research for the book, I discovered something different, and I wrote:
“… hope is not merely expectations and desires as the world might see it, but involves trust, confidence and refuge in God. Another dictionary said that hope is the certainty that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our place in what God will do in the future.”
“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” (Romans 8:24-25)
Thank you for this one, Nan. It is what I needed today.
I’m glad, Kay. Blessings!
Trust, confidence and refuge in God. I’ll hang on to that definition.
I recently enjoyed (and reviewed) your delightful “Yuletide Blessings.” I’m featuring it with a couple of others on my website Monday. Is it out of print? I hope not, as it’s a beautiful book and so rich in stories.
I am in the process of reprinting this book. Thanks for your interest. I’ll let everyone know when it’s ready. Thanks.
Needed this today, thanks!!
Thanks, Wendy. I think we all need this.
Needed this today, Nan❤️
Thanks, Amy!
This is so meaningful, Nan. Thank you! I love this quote by David Booth (Faculty at St. Olaf): “Hope is not chipper optimism, but a dogged, resolute sense of obligation, even in the face of long odds, to do what is in our power to do.”
Thanks, Terry.
What a timely message, well spoken. Thank you, Nan!
Thanks, Susie.
Beautiful Nan. Thank you.
Trust, Confidence and refuge…
❤️
I rest in this hope even on the hard days. I needed this today.
Thanks, Sharon!
What a beautiful illustration of hope…using God’s very creation. I could visualize the leaves waiting for God to tell them it was time to let go of the tree and let God take over. Our hope is in God.
Thanks, Joan!