Esperanza -- Hope

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ~~ Hebrews 11:1

Two years ago, my friends Richard and Debra, planted from seed an esperanza plant. One time upon my visit to their home, they gifted to me the little seedling plant. I kept it and watered it.

Shortly upon receiving the plant, Debra gave me the news that Richard had colon cancer. His tumor was so large the medical team started him with radiation for they could not perform surgery until the tumor had been shrunk.

After receiving that news, I prayed for Richard every day I watered the little plant. Sometimes I’d see the plant wilting and I felt led to pray for Richard even more. I felt like God gave me the plant as a prayer prompt for Richard.

Since we lived in different cities, Debra would call and give me updates when she could. But the calls grew farther apart, but I kept on praying for Richard. The plant kept growing until it needed a new pot as the roots were becoming cramped. I kept asking the Lord if this was a sign that Richard was doing well. I hoped it was.

Upon researching a little bit of information about this particular plant, I learned the Spanish word, esperanza means hope in English. So I kept my hope alive for Richard’s health by standing on God’s word and watching the “hope” plant.

Then the large pot became too small for the growing roots. We transplanted it in the ground. Afterwards, the plant bloomed with such pretty yellow blossoms. I kept hoping that was a sign from God that Richard was doing well as I kept praying for him and Debra.

When we received word that we were moving from our home to another city, I became so focused on packing and moving that I forgot about the plant. Our home is now under contract with a new owner and chances are I’ll never see that plant again.

But God is soooo good. I received an email from Debra that Richard’s doctors declared him cancer-free! Praise the Lord! So at the same time that I am no longer able to see the plant and remember to pray, Richard received his healing from the Lord confirmed by his medical team.

There is always hope through faith in Jesus Christ.