CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PATIENT HOPE

You can spot a Christian by the hope that exudes from them. Peter writes, “always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15b). That conveys the expectation that a true child of God will exhibit such a patient hope that others demand an explanation. Peter’s fellow Apostle, Paul, put it like this, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

What is so incredible about this hope that it can only be found in one who is born-again?

There is the action of “rejoicing in hope.” Rejoicing is a verb—an act of the will bringing an activity of worship. It springs from the well of hope inside that recognizes that no matter how bad things may be, there is always the promise of better days, and no matter how wonderful things may be, that the best is yet to come! This isn’t mere wishful thinking, but confident assurance rooted in the character of God. In the midst of trials, one stands upon the promises and lifts the hands and heart to heaven with a resounding, “Hallelujah!”

This hope is incredibly supernatural, in that there is the attitude of being “patient in tribulation.” Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation” (and who can deny that?) “but be of good cheer” (and how can we do that?) “I have overcome the world” (and thus we can declare that!). Jesus said it; believe it and embrace it! That kind of hope will generate a patient endurance of trials, much like a woman in labor, who though not enjoying but enduring the birth pains, does so in anticipation of the joyful deliverance!

Such hope is strengthened in the application of “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” A consistent time spent in the presence of God, staying until heartache dissipates and hope radiates, in the environment of prayer. There we gaze into the face of God, we abide in the presence of Christ, we are aided by the Comforter, and having knelt in weakness, we rise in power—the very hope of glory flooding our being!

Is this statement true of you, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)? Is that hope alive in you?

That is how you spot a Christian!