At Canada’s Wonderland theme park, I shelled out the extra money for the “fast lane” so that my son and I could walk past the hour-long lineup of people to get on the Leviathan — Canada’s tallest and fastest roller coaster with a steep 80-degree drop.

Just years earlier, I wouldn’t be caught dead riding a roller coaster (pun intended).

Now I’m not disturbed by the thought of dying on the thrill ride.

What changed?

 

I know where I’m going after I die

Don’t get me wrong. I have no desire to die. I’m not looking forward to death. And if truth be told I’m even a little anxious about how I may die and whether I will suffer.

I want to live a long life in order to be around for my grandbabies.

I want to live a long and healthy life. Thus the reason I take care of my physical health through exercise and eating healthy and my spiritual health through prayer and Bible study.

But if I tragically die tonight in my sleep, tomorrow in a car accident or next year from cancer, do not be sad that I’m dead. Of course, I know that my death will grieve my family and friends but I want them to also be comforted in the fact that because I’m no longer on earth I’m actually in a better place.

Years ago, I would say, “I hope I’m going to heaven” because I thought I was a nice person. I didn’t murder anyone. I didn’t steal. I didn’t commit horrible acts of assault on anyone.

But now I no longer have to hope. I can confidently say I know I’m going to heaven.

How do I know? How can I be certain?

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour

I believe that God is Who He says He is. I confess to all of you that I believe Jesus came to earth to suffer and die for me. For you. I accept His gift of salvation. I look forward to spending eternity with Him.

It saddens me to think there are people out there — my own friends and family — who fear death. I pray that they too can enjoy the peace that I have in my heart now that I have let Jesus in.

There are no hoops to jump through, no courses to take, no fees to pay. Simply believe.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6, NIV)

Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven with Him.

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2, NIV)

Jesus shares how easy it is to live with Him forever in eternity.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. (John 11:25, NIV)

I choose to believe. And if today my time has come to leave this earth then know that I am okay. I know where I am going. I look forward to it.

I pray you, too, would know such joy.