Heaven is for Real!

I penned a blog for sharing today but like a knock on my front door that HAD to be answered, life interrupted me and made me write another in its place. My beautiful friend from childhood, Lilanthie De Mel went to her eternal home a few days ago and I'm still reeling with the shock of it! Lilanthie was one who radiated life. A picture taken of her a few days ago at a special event shows her smiling brightly into the camera as she always does – peace and joy and love written on her face, standing next to her beloved husband. It's so hard to imagine then, that death stole her from us.

But I write this today to state in no uncertain terms that it was LIFE, not death that took her away. 

"I am the resurrection and the life." said Jesus. "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." John 11:25 In the last few years, I have been fascinated by the thrill of what awaits us believers in Christ. 

"Don't get lost in despair; believe in God, and keep on believing in Me. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together." 

JESUS John 14:1-3 (The VOICE)

So even as the veil parted for my beautiful friend, she is now with Jesus in her heavenly home. And in the midst of my deep sadness of her loss, I also thank God that she is enjoying life in His nearer presence. Lilanthie and I reconnected some years ago on Facebook - it has blessed me to be closely in touch with her for many years. Lilanthie had a deep faith in Jesus. She was invested fully in her family and loved them dearly. Lilanthie always had a smile on her face. She was one of my faithful blog followers on Facebook and often encouraged me with her positive words, never failing to speak blessing over my family. She enjoyed the hymns I posted on Facebook – many which she and I (and all of us LCites) sang from a very young age at our chapel services many moons ago.

Death has a dark finality about it that shocks us, like a burglar who stole what was rightfully ours and leaves us helpless and bereft. There is something so wrong when someone dies well before their time. I grieve much for her loved ones – her husband, her daughters and son in law, and her precious little granddaughter (whom she doted on) and the rest of her family. It is not right that they lost her so soon.

And yet, it is a great comfort to know that Lilanthie is now in the best place possible, with her Saviour Jesus, in her eternal home. Lilanthie, like me, suffered unbearable pain and often asked me to pray for her. I did. And now, in spite of my sadness, I am also grateful that she is now pain-free. God did answer my prayers, just not in the way I expected. About 7 years ago, chronic illness and suffering changed my perspective from my having feet planted firmly on earth, to setting my sights on heaven and eternity. I wondered at the time if it was wrong to focus on heaven so much! But then I read in a book (A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren) that God sometimes makes us uncomfortable on earth to remind us that our true life is with Him in Eternity.

Life on earth can be wonderful. But I am certain that it will pale into a short commonplace dream in contrast to the reality and wonder of heaven. The Bible assures us that life in God's nearer presence is something beyond our wildest dreams. Amazing. Out of this world! (Which of course it is!) Pure joy awaits all who know Jesus. 

And so dear friend, as we grieve for loved ones who have left us, let's cling tightly to the hope He has given us.

We Christians grieve differently to those who don't know Him. We know that life on earth is a foreshadow of better things to come. When I picture a believer's home-going – I don't see her eyes close in death. Instead I see her radiant and ready– eyes wide and bright as she faces the reality of heaven, looking up into the face of Jesus. Taken upwards with awe, surrounded by loved ones who have gone before, and then ... engulfed in her Father's loving embrace. She is home at last!

Thank You Jesus for the life of my precious friend, Lilanthie and the joy she shared with all who knew her. 

Thank You she is safe in Your eternal Home. 

Thank You that we will all be reunited one day. 

Thank you too, that we who grieve are held by Jesus who understands our pain and weeps with us. Let's shed tears as we mourn. Let us also rejoice in the hope of eternity and the blessed reunion to come!

Let's look ahead, with eyes of faith. Yes. Heaven is for real! Life has conquered death. Hallelujah!

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.  1 Corinthians 2:9

For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelations 21:4