Rest assured, all our problems dissolve when we enter Heaven

Q: My mother was always a worrier, and she also had a lot of health problems. She died a few months ago and I know she’s in Heaven, but is she really happy there? I wonder about this. Maybe she still worries about us, or still has her aches and pains. — Mrs. V. McL.

A: Let me assure you that your mother now is completely free from every problem she faced on earth — no matter what it was or why she had it. In Heaven, the Bible says, God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Admittedly this is something we can barely picture; our lives right now are filled with every kind of problem and fear imaginable. We live in a world that has been invaded by a deadly spiritual disease — the disease of sin. No matter where we look or how much we try to avoid it, the reality is undeniable: we live in a fallen, sin-soaked world. Centuries ago Job said it well: “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).

But Heaven isn’t like this — and the reason is because Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and Hell by His death and resurrection. And someday His victory over all evil will be complete, and we will never need to face sin’s terrors again.

The most important question, however, is this: Is your hope and trust in Christ? If you were to die tonight, are you sure you would go to be with Him in Heaven forever? If not, make sure by turning to Jesus Christ and putting your faith and trust in Him today.

Q: Will we have a second chance to decide for God after we die? My friend says she’s banking on it. She admits she doesn’t want anything to do with God right now, but she also doesn’t want to be lost or miss out on Heaven. What can I say to her? — P.R.

A: Nowhere does the Bible say (or even hint) that we might have a second chance to repent of our sins and accept God’s offer of salvation after we die. The Bible is clear: “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

After all, if we don’t want anything to do with God now, why would we want anything to do with Him after we die? It’s almost ludicrous to think that a person who turns his or her back on God now, will want to spend all eternity worshiping Him and serving Him and thanking Him for His love. The Bible solemnly warns, “Each person was judged according to what they had done. … Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:13, 15).

Pray for your friend, that God the Holy Spirit will convict her of her sin and rebelliousness, and convince her of her need of Christ. God loves her, and only He can break through the barriers she has erected against Him.

In addition, ask God to make you a witness to her of Christ’s love and peace. Does she see Christ in you? In spite of her attitude, down inside her life is empty and restless, and only Christ can take this away and give her the peace and hope she lacks. Ask God to make you an instrument of His peace in her life.

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-877 2-GRAHAM, or visit the site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.