Pursuit of Hope

"And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age." (Genesis 21:6-7 KJV)

In 1983, Rick Hanson shared Canadian Athlete of the Year honors with hockey star Wayne Gretsky. A few days later, Hanson was injured in an automobile accident. His injuries left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.” Rick Hanson showed his character while still in the hospital. Rather than succumb to his disability, he began searching for a new dream immediately. He decided that he would be the first person to ride around the world in a wheelchair.

Finally, after several years and more than 27, 000 miles, Rick Hanson welcomed the joyous refrains of his supporters as he returned home. Knowing that our dreams affect others, Hanson expressed hope that others might follow their own dreams as well.

Everything begins with a dream (hopeful pursuit of a goal). Sarah’s faith began with a dream of having a child. In fact, a dream is the spark that ignites the fire of action. Joy and laughter comes with the achievement. Our friends and family rejoice with us when they hear of our achievement. But more importantly, they are inspired to pursue their own dreams because someone they know has shown them it can be done.

Dear Father, thank you for your saving grace. Empower us to nurture our hopeful pursuits as well as the dreams of those around us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in pursuit of your hope,