A nearby house in my neighborhood was abandoned. The windows were boarded up, and no one had lived there in years. One day a demolition notice appeared. The house would be torn down and cleared away so a new one could be built.

Every time I walked by that house, I eyed the plants, which were overgrown and unhealthy. But once upon a time, someone had lovingly selected, planted, and cared for them.

There was a rose bush growing right up next to the decaying building. It had spindly stems and malnourished tiny leaves, but it was alive. I knew the demolition crew wouldn’t do anything to save it. So, one day I came with a shovel. I dug it up, put it in a bucket, and carried it home.

Sure enough, in a few days the house was a pile of rubble along with all the plants and shrubs that had surrounded it, including a lovely Japanese maple that had been too large for me to salvage.

I planted the rose in a large pot, and put it in a sunny corner. I fertilized it, and pruned it back. And I waited, hopeful.

Then one bright day some new growth appeared. Shoots sprung from the dried up, dead-looking wood. Then buds developed. And finally big beautiful pink roses bloomed.

Today that rose plant is sturdy and thriving in a friend’s yard, bringing joy, color, and a beautiful fragrance to each passerby.

“Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.” (Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭1, ‭CSB‬‬)

God cared so much about us that He used a desolate, dwindled, and seemingly forgotten people to bring forth the Savior of the world and the hope of all generations to come.

God cares about every single person He created. Nothing is hopeless, and no one is beyond saving. God’s powerful love can breathe life into any situation of despair and defeat. Hopelessness has no place in God’s kingdom.

Dear God, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for never giving up on anyone. Forgive me for giving up on some people. Fill me with the promise of your love, your power, and your perfect plan. Teach me about hope today.