I feel the Lord beckoning me to talk about hell and as we do it will become more real to us.
I was thinking this morning how different it will be to leave here and go to heaven. I know it is going to be good, but the fear of the unknown brings uncertainty.
I was thinking next of when my Mom wanted to go to heaven. When it started looking apparent that she was about to go, she started getting anxious about it. It wasn't worry but it was uncertainty.
She had previously for about three years —prayed actually begged God to take her. At one point she had been so distraught about being here yet—she desperately called out to God as to why she was still here. He answered her and told her with certainty she was not ready. He said she wasn't ready for heaven because she was in un-forgiveness.
Notice, He didn't say no, but He said —she wasn't ready. She had clear instructions on forgiveness and as she forgave, things started to progress toward her leaving.
When things were close and as her exit seemed to be taking longer than anticipated, suddenly she wasn't sure she wanted to go yet.
Even though she knew it is a good place and all the promises promised to her were good — now, moving to heaven suddenly became an uncertainty —at that present time.
She thought she knew what she wanted, but now because of a lapse in time, things became uncertain.
I had a vision of my Mom walking in low margin clouds, as if on her way to heaven. She was alone and picking flowers as she procrastinated. God was showing me that she couldn't make up her mind.
Should I go or should I stay? She was indecisive all her life, so it looked natural of her to maybe change her mind.
I am sure though it was kind of scary, although it seemed a pleasant walk. I wondered later if my vision (the same) was one God gave her, because now she seemed to have a knowing that she was going to trust Him and go.
Her last morning here, she rose up from bed and said —I am going home today and laid back down again. Later that day she left.
It was so exciting because she wanted to go for so long and now that day —she was able to do just that.
From that experience —and the privilege of watching her go I have my own surety about going to heaven. But, still how will it be? I need to know more, as she did. Before she left she wanted to study heaven —and how it will be and from that she knew where she wanted to spend her eternity.
I told you all that to tell you —too, hell is as real as heaven. I prayed my mom wouldn't die when she was in un-forgiveness because I knew in her un-forgiveness, not being right with God —she would go to hell. He was faithful —He helped her get to the place where she could obey Him and forgive.
Had she told God no, today she would either be here suffering, or she would be in hell. I am so grateful God helps us to obey Him and that my Mom is in heaven with Him, safe and sound.
He knows what is good for us. Love is good for us and to forgive is love. All of His laws are good for us and unite us with Him. We can't live in heaven with Him if we don't agree with Him.
Can I encourage you today? Make sure you know Him, that you can hear Him. Let Him correct you now —so that you can live in heaven with Him, now here —on the earth (Luke 17:21) and then —move in with Him when you leave here.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. AMPC
Stay in agreement with God (John 15:1-8). Hell is real and not everyone goes to heaven!