Heaven is Home

Today we are continuing our series, #HeartsTowardHome, looking at what the Bible says about Heaven.

Known for her runway model dimensions, her motorcycle, and a sassy mouth, Kim broke the mold for Social Studies teachers. My new colleague and I were worlds-apart-different from each other, but in working together we found common ground. I had a front row seat to watching Kim transform from “Christian in name only” to a mature, sister in Christ.

Life Transformed

Going to church as a child, planted spiritual seeds in Kim. Those seeds started sprouting when she announced her first pregnancy. Suddenly, laser-beam-focused on raising a child with good values, Kim turned to her childhood faith. In time, renewed faith in Jesus and the working of the Holy Spirit transformed my friend.

Devastating Diagnosis

Three years ago, and miles apart, I learned of Kim’s cancer diagnosis— aggressive metastatic breast cancer. Tumors riddled her strong, svelte frame. Her body wrecked by cancer, Kim told me, “Cheli, Jesus suffered more to save me than I a suffer from cancer.” Hidden in Christ and completely surrendered, Kim knew what it meant to participate in Christ’s suffering.

…that I may know him [Christ Jesus] and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death….   (Philippians 3:10, clarification mine)

Longing for Heaven

A year later, Kim rang the bell after her last chemo treatment. So, with refreshed hope for Kim’s healing, I thanked God with teary-eyed gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. Yet—before the ringing bell diminished, cancer delivered its final blow. Within weeks cancer nearly destroyed her vision and decimated her body. Gifting her family and friends with the last of her energy, she said goodbye. On Christmas Eve, Kim went home to Heaven. In that moment, death gave way to life— eternal life.

Truly, my friend understood the full meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Though I miss my friend, I rejoice in her new life. Kim put on a new body, fully clothed in Christ. Free from disease and pain, she lives life to the full— forever.

What is God impressing on your heart and mind as you read 2 Corinthians 5:1-5?