Pascal is best known for what we call “Pascal’s Wager,” which essentially says, “believing in God is the most rational bet because the potential gains are infinite (eternity with God) while the potential losses are finite (a few earthly pleasures).

In other words, if God exists, believers gain everything; if God does not exist, believers lose very little.

This so-called wager came to Pascal’s mind after a “night of fire,” where he spent a couple hours in the presence of God.

After the experience, Pascal claimed his life was never the same. Yet he lived in a heavily Christianized culture, where the vast majority of people followed the customs and values of Christianity whether or not they had genuinely surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Christ.

So how can we know Pascal’s transformation after his “night of fire” was genuine? Especially in light of his infamous wager?

The short answer is: We can tell by the way his life changed thereafter.

In fact, four key indications of Pascal’s transformed life were recently described in Plough Quarterly--indications I can’t help but consider when reflecting on my own transformation in Christ. They are: 

1. A deep desire for ongoing prayer and worship

2. A radical awareness of his sin

3. A longing to share with others his faith experience

4. A significant shift in his priorities and life to care for the poor

And it’s that last one in particular that reminds me of our Restoring Hope partners—people like you who have made significant shifts in your priorities and lives so that 800 orphaned and vulnerable children in rural South Asia can also experience transformation in Jesus. 

The fact that you entrust some of your time and/or your finances to God and to Restoring Hope for the sake of families entrenched in cycles of generational poverty, is an indication of the authenticity of your own hope in Jesus. I am truly grateful.

And since you’re here, I have to ask: Did you know our Restoring Hope blog is filled with stories of children’s lives you have helped impact? I invite you to check out one or two while you’re here, and be encouraged by what you’re part of!