Fall Forward: A Journey Of Struggle, Strength And True ForgivenessSample

There Is Always Hope

Far too often, we diminish the value in Jesus preparing us an eternal home in a perfect place with Him. All we know is this side of heaven. Whatever you are going through, you must learn to give it to God. Trust Him for the outcome and rest in His promises.

Years ago when my oldest daughter was in sixth grade, one of her friends was diagnosed with cancer in February. Rebecca was a beautiful, bright-eyed blonde-haired girl full of life. Rebecca was in remission that summer before the pain returned in August. Rebecca was sleeping in the children’s hospital bed when the news came that her cancer had returned and was terminal. 

My daughter and I were visiting that evening with Rebecca and her mother Tammy. Rebecca woke. Tammy gently gave Rebecca the news. My daughter and I visited with them for a while. Tammy noticed that Rebecca began fighting sleep and told Rebecca she should rest. Rebecca responded that she was afraid that if she went to sleep she would not wake. Tammy responded, “If you wake here, I’ll be here and if you wake in heaven, Jesus will be there.” 

Those were some of the wisest words I would ever hear. This mother told her child not to be afraid of death. This mother truly believed in the hope of heaven and wanted her child to have the same hope. Rebecca had a lot of questions. She was encouraged to write them down so her Pastor and others could talk with her about her fears. Rebecca’s questions are framed in the Pastor’s office. She wrote on the back of a progress note, “How do I know when it’s time? How do I get to heaven? What is heaven like? How long will it take to get there? Will I miss my friends and family?” Tammy misses Rebecca like crazy. This earth is not heaven. 

Many of us have lost someone we love to heaven. Our hearts will never be the same. The same God who created the stars and the moon cares for us when we hurt. He gives us true hope, the hope of heaven, an everlasting perfect place. He went to prepare it for us. As long as we are alive on this side, we should never take that life for granted. We should share this hope. 

Is there someone in your life who needs to hear these words of hope? 

Is the hope of heaven real to you? 

Do you have a personal relationship with the God who created both heaven and earth? 

If you found this plan helpful, find more encouragement on Fall Forward .