One of the books that has really challenged me in my life so far is Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. Back that up with the film, and I really, really started to question my faith.
I won't spoil the book (or film) for those who haven't seen or read it, but it basically is what it says on the tin - a little boy's testament (having had a near-death experience and visited Heaven) to the fact that God, Jesus, angels and indeed, Heaven are all VERY real.
Now, I know this. And chances are that you do to. But how much of it do we actually soak in?
As a Christian, I find that there are times when I am so wrapped up in the awesomeness of God that it brings me to tears (and very often, my knees as well). Some days, my awareness of Him is so real, - so tangible - that I am overwhelmed. That there's such a 'person' as God - who is The Almighty, yet ever so mindful of me and my tiny life; who is The Creator, who has no creator; who would give (and has) anything to make sure that I am all that I can be. It's heart-stopping.
Other days, I'm so wrapped up in my own life, and traffic, and money (or usually, the lack of it), and everything that isn't right, that God and I are just on a "Hey, how are you doing? Btw, thanks for everything" kind of level.
In truth, it's not the easiest thing to 24/7/356 walk in the consciousness of the actuality and awesomeness of God, as well as the reality of a life after this one.
One of the things that struck me most in Heaven in for Real is the fact that despite this little 4-year-old boy's father being a pastor, it still takes a lot for him to come to the point of complete conviction that his son really did have an experience with - of - God, and visit Heaven.
So, even as Christians, it can still be quite challenging to accept that these things are very, very real, even though we've been told over and over; many times, even said them over and over.
Are we just spewing out proverbs and proclaiming Jesus' existence and love, but not really internalising it?
My challenge to you this week is: Search yourself and find out how much of God, His Word and eternity in Heaven you not just understand, but really believe.
Kunmi x
I won't spoil the book (or film) for those who haven't seen or read it, but it basically is what it says on the tin - a little boy's testament (having had a near-death experience and visited Heaven) to the fact that God, Jesus, angels and indeed, Heaven are all VERY real.
Now, I know this. And chances are that you do to. But how much of it do we actually soak in?
As a Christian, I find that there are times when I am so wrapped up in the awesomeness of God that it brings me to tears (and very often, my knees as well). Some days, my awareness of Him is so real, - so tangible - that I am overwhelmed. That there's such a 'person' as God - who is The Almighty, yet ever so mindful of me and my tiny life; who is The Creator, who has no creator; who would give (and has) anything to make sure that I am all that I can be. It's heart-stopping.
Other days, I'm so wrapped up in my own life, and traffic, and money (or usually, the lack of it), and everything that isn't right, that God and I are just on a "Hey, how are you doing? Btw, thanks for everything" kind of level.
In truth, it's not the easiest thing to 24/7/356 walk in the consciousness of the actuality and awesomeness of God, as well as the reality of a life after this one.
One of the things that struck me most in Heaven in for Real is the fact that despite this little 4-year-old boy's father being a pastor, it still takes a lot for him to come to the point of complete conviction that his son really did have an experience with - of - God, and visit Heaven.
So, even as Christians, it can still be quite challenging to accept that these things are very, very real, even though we've been told over and over; many times, even said them over and over.
Are we just spewing out proverbs and proclaiming Jesus' existence and love, but not really internalising it?
My challenge to you this week is: Search yourself and find out how much of God, His Word and eternity in Heaven you not just understand, but really believe.
Kunmi x
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