Hello friends! Thank you for praying for my son Ryan as he fights brain cancer. On May 22, I published a blog about waiting through the surgery. I got quite a response to that blog. Many people shared their concern for Ryan and our family. I wanted to write an update.

He is going through chemo and radiation. He is tired but seems to be feeling pretty good. He has healed up from the surgery, and all is going well. His doctors are positive and believe this treatment will stop the cancer. There is hope for a great future and positive outcome for Ryan. It seems that he will be able to live a full life with his wife and little girl. Praise God.

So with this hope in his heart, he is persevering through the difficulties that weeks of radiation and months of chemotherapy bring. He has a hope that gives him strength through the difficulties of the near term. In spite of the physical discomfort, he continues to keep a positive mental attitude. He will overcome.

As I reflected on this situation, the Lord used it to remind me that I can persevere. I can overcome near-term difficulties because there is a great hope set before me. Paul reminded Timothy that he should persevere because we have a future hope. “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:7–10, ESV)

Our hope is God, the All-Powerful Creator, who will one day free us from all sin and the pain that it brings. So we strive for godliness, knowing that we are not healthy yet, but one day we will be free from the sickness of sin. We have a future hope.

Peter writes to the believers dispersed around the world who are suffering persecution and anti-Christian sentiment. He acknowledges difficulties and trials. He also reminds them of the hope they have in Jesus. The encouragement to continue on is based in that fact that there is a future hope in Jesus. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)

I can be optimistic in the face of today’s suffering because there is hope for a bright future. I will persevere and do the difficult things today because there is healing in the process. I will refrain from discouragement because God promises a bright outcome.

Thanks for the example Ryan.