“The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.” Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899)
Don’t spend too much time worrying about the source of hope in your life. Just use your hope to fulfill some noble purpose.
As many of you know, the theme of my blog is, “The Power and Promise of Hope.” As a person of faith, my strength comes from the hope I have in a Triune God. I realize not everyone shares that same source of hope and strength.
That being said, I have not always found my strength in God to be an immediate source of hope. I have not always found the courage to bear adversity with the knowledge that my defeat will only be temporary in nature.
The specter of defeat is looming large even as I write these words in today’s post.
I have undergone three back surgeries during the past five years. Those surgeries did relieve the incredible pain I was experiencing. For that I am grateful. I had been hoping the road to recovery was clearly laid out in front of me. Not so.
I have had several inconclusive consultations with doctors concerning the fact that since my surgery, my balance has been deteriorating. The assumed return to the active use of my legs is in question. Physical therapy and regular exercise have helped a bit. I cannot stand upright for more than about twenty minutes.
This is a big deal to me and I admit defeat. My doctors have admitted they too are defeated – they have no idea the cause of my on-going disability. I have had enough tests to support a new wing of an orthopedic or neurological hospital.
But this is a post about hope and bearing defeat without losing heart.
I have stumbled in my faith, in my relying on hope, and in my having the courage to get up and persevere with enthusiasm. I am tired of that attitude.
I remind myself I am writing and managing a blog – I have found hope and purpose. I have just finished the rough draft of my first book -I have found hope and purpose. I am offering myself as an example so that perhaps one of you will find hope to persevere, to find the courage to move on – I have found hope and purpose.
Hope may elude us, persons of faith, as well as those whose hope has other origins, but my faith always brings me back to hope. I am not done yet. I still have opportunities to interact with others. I still have moments when I can inspire and be inspired by others. I still have the capacity and the desire to ease the suffering of others to the best of my ability. New friendships await me.
You and I will stumble along the way and we will have to bear some kind of “defeat” from time to time, but this is my promise to you. As long as I can think and type, I will reach out and be available to you, to inspire, to comfort, to listen, to encourage. I pray that you will find hope and purpose.
I have not lost heart.
Through the gentle kindness of others, I have found the courage and a reason to persevere, to move confidently into a future filled with hope. I have not lost heart. We are not alone in this journey.
The Power and Promise of Hope – Every Life Should Have a Noble Purpose.
Does the knowledge that my defeat will only be temporary in nature empower me to accept that defeat more readily? Or does hope compel me to try, try again?
Great question. For Christians, all defeat is temporary in nature as we will have our final reward in heaven. Jesus said, “don’t let your hearts be troubled and don’t let them be afraid.” That kind of suggests that no matter the defeat, Jesus will be there for us, now and into eternity. “My hope is in the Lord, of whom shall I be afraid?” Let me restate, all defeat is temporary for those who love the Lord and trust in God’s promises.
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Jon