Christianity promises a lot. As believers, we stand firm on the promise that we get to spend eternal life with Jesus Christ who loves us zealously. We speak about this wonderful love of Jesus and how powerful it is in healing the sick, bringing the dead to life, and giving sight to the blind. We know that when our loved ones pass away, they are in a better place rejoicing with the Lord free of pain. It is comforting, as a Christian, to think about the incredible miracles God has performed and about how we have a heaven to gain when our time comes. It is great being a Christian as we have so much to look forward to at the end of this journey on Earth.
But what if we're wrong?
No matter how strong their faith, this question can and does haunt many Christians. Although this may come as a shock to some, even Christians struggle with their beliefs at times just as nonbelievers have a hard time believing the words of the Bible. It is no secret that the gospel is a lot to take in -- it is solely based on faith and believing without seeing. As humans, we want evidence of heaven and Jesus' life on Earth. While searching for physical and science-based answers, it can be easy to lose sight of the truth behind our beliefs, especially when times get rough. There have been moments when I have morbidly pondered the mystery of death and wondered, "What if heaven doesn't really exist? Then what happens?"
One of my favorites lines of any song comes from King of My Heart by Love & The Outcome, "Lord won't you help me believe what I believe?" In order to overcome our doubts and questions, we must turn to God for help. We have to go into the Word of God and spend time in prayer. When you spend personal time with God, He has a way of showing you His truth and promises in a very tangible way.
John 20:27 says, "Then he (Jesus) said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
We are not wrong. Beneath all of our doubts, there is a story about a God who so loved the world that He sent His son to die so that we might live. This story is true. When we and our loved ones die, as long as we are saved by grace and have Jesus in our hearts, there is a heaven and a savior waiting with open arms for us. We have a hope to hold onto that is absolute and everlasting. I know, after seeking God and having personal experiences with Him, that I am not wrong in my beliefs. His love and authority is real.
We may not have all the answers. We may not know what heaven looks like or what the process entails, but we do know that Jesus has done great things in our lives, and the signs and wonders of the Lord are everywhere. If you are having doubts or having trouble believing what you believe, do not feel alone. Do not feel like a failure. Even some of Jesus' closest friends had trouble believing his story and promises! God is well aware of how crazy and mysterious His love is -- that is why we are given a whole book of stories and examples straight from Him. I encourage you to put the Bible to use. Set aside the doubts flooding your mind and read His promises for yourself. Understand that the concepts of heaven, eternity, and Jesus were never meant to be easy to grasp. As you begin to pray and ask God to strengthen your faith, you will see a difference. So keep seeking, always working to better your relationship with God. And above all else, keep believing what you believe. He is alive and real.
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
2 Peter 1:3-4
James 1:6
John 20:30-31
Revelation 4
