Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Message: Throughout the Bible, there are many verses that inspire hope such as this one. In this particular verse, Peter is writing a letter to a group of Christians who are suffering for their faith. He is using His words to inspire them with hope for the future.

I have lung cancer. I was diagnosed five days before Christmas, December 2013. As a nonsmoker, I never thought I would ever have to hear the words, "you have lung cancer." Since that time, I have had two lung surgeries, Chemotherapy and my current treatment of Immunotherapy. All of this in an attempt to keep the cancer from spreading, and allowing me to have a good quality of life.

For the past two years, I have been attending a lung cancer support group. We meet twice each month: first at the American Lung Association for a meeting, and then again two weeks later at a favorite dining spot for fellowship. You would expect to hear "gloom and doom" at a meeting filled with people who are in the various stages of cancer. You would never be more wrong. At this meeting, we share stories about our cancer journey. We also keep everyone updated on our current treatment and quite often, how God is working in our lives. Hope for the future are words that are expressed and felt everywhere: in the brave stories, in the supportive words from others, in the hugs that are freely given, and in the love that fills the room. God often speaks to me during this time through others and His message is one of hope and love.

I have lung cancer, but it does not have me. I am living my life and through the grace of God, it is filled with hope. The kind of hope that allows me to look toward the future with assurances that God loves me and will never leave me. The kind of hope that allows me to grow in my faith. His Holy Spirit fills me with love, laughter and deep appreciation for each day.

May you also know this kind of hope for your future. May you be filled with His Holy Spirit during this wonderful time of preparation for Easter.

Prayer: Father, through Your great mercy, we find hope for the future and assurance that we are never alone Amen.

Karen Kaufman

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