The Christian is full of hope in things that the normal, unspiritual man could never understand. While the world finds it bizarre that a Christian can stand strong under and against all that comes at him, the believer knows that what he is patiently waiting and hoping for will surely come (see Hebrews 11:1).
Here are three of the life-transforming characteristics of Christian hope.
1) We hope in what we can't see
"But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:24-25)
The Christian hopes in what is unseen. After all, what is hope if what we are hoping for is already in the palm of our hands? We Christians are hoping for that which can only be seen through the eyes of faith, those that only God can give. And God Himself can only be seen through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we will only truly know if we believe.
2) Our hope defies all human reasoning
Most Christians are considered crazy. While Paul was in chains and stating his defense of the gospel of Christ (specifically His death and resurrection) in front of King Agrippa, the governor Festus interrupted him and told him that his "great learning is driving [him] insane" (Acts 26:24).
Paul was, however, firm in his stand. "'I am not insane, most excellent Festus,' Paul replied. 'What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner'." (v. 25-26)
This is the same for all Christians who profess to hope in the Lord. The world does not understand it, and we, therefore, cannot expect that the world will applaud our hopes.
3) Our hope will never put us to shame
Even though the world thinks that hoping in God is crazy, Christians know and believe that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. This is the declaration of David, the beloved king of Israel, who trusted in the Lord since his youth, long before he became king.
"I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame" (Psalm 25:2-3).
