I was a chubby, rosy-cheeked 7-year-old girl with blonde ringlets tied up with plaid bows when I learned there is a heaven. I didn’t know then how I would get there, but I knew I wanted to see this place with many mansions where Jesus lived, and he said I could live there too.
Many years have passed since that little girl absorbed the words of the verse that spoke of preparation, promise, and place. I still hold on to the promise of being received and accepted into a place prepared for me by Jesus, where he is and I can also be.
I have said goodbye to my father, my mother, my daughter, and countless friends who have been received into heaven ahead of me. There is a place for all who believe.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3
Yesterday, a friend sent me a picture and at that moment, my heart remembered the promise. I am still holding onto the promise.
I go to prepare a place for you – so that when your life is over, I will receive you to myself and you will live with me forever. – Jesus
In this cycle of life someone, right now, is saying a final goodbye. There is no music. There is no rhythm. There is no harmony. There is only labored breath, one last smile, one last touch, one last beat of a beautiful heart, then – the final goodbye.
For the soul who loves Jesus, their last breath on earth is their first breath of celestial air.
Let not your heart be troubled. When the sun comes up, rejoice that the final goodbye is the eternal sunrise in heaven. Jesus will keep his promise, will receive you to himself, and your place will be sealed forever.
You have said this beautifully. Thank you.
Thank you, Mitzy. I’m thankful for the English language that gives us so many words to express ourselves.
I’m so sorry you have had to say goodbye to so many loved ones, Jane. Some saints seem to carry an unfair load of sorrow; you are one of them. Praise God for our secure expectation of eternal life, promised over and over in scripture. One of my favorites: “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead , and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Hallelujah!
Nancy, how I love that promise “Living Hope”. Thank you for sharing that.
Oh Jane this is beautiful! “Preparation, promise, and place!” How reassuring. Won’t it be something when we are both together, singing His praise, and breathing celestial air?!?
Yes, Cindy. So much praise when we are in that place. Thank you for your sweet words. Your friendship is a blessing in my life.