Question from a reader:

My granddaughter had what she believes was a near death experience. She hit a tree in real life and recalls seeing a beautiful meadow with flowers. Everything was so beautiful and pleasant. Can you tell me what that means? We do believe in the Lord and know that there is a wonderful place awaiting us.

Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:

There have been many books written over the last several years related to near death experiences. (Randy addresses them here.) God can certainly do anything He wishes, including showing someone a glimpse of eternity. But it’s hard to evaluate because every experience is subjective, and obviously being in an accident is very traumatic for someone’s brain. That’s why Randy writes, “The Bible must always be the standard for evaluating our experience. We should search the scriptures and evaluate these experiences in the light of God’s truth. Biology, spiritual deception, and lack of mental clarity all contribute the potential of seriously misleading impressions during near-death experiences, making it all the more important that we base our beliefs on scripture, and not on experiences.”

The very most important thing that your granddaughter can do is lean into Jesus, who is the central focus of Heaven, and deepen her relationship with Him. I love what Scripture has to say about having your roots in Him: “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude” (Colossians 2:6-7).

I would encourage your granddaughter to dig deep into what Scripture has to say about Heaven, our eternal home. May this experience make her more excited than ever about knowing Jesus and sharing about Him with others! I’m not sure how much she has read from Randy about Heaven, but here is an article that would be a good place to start. And here is a message he gave about Heaven that she might like to watch.

Perhaps one of the great things that can came of this for her is not so much a focus on what she saw, but rather a greater sense of God’s sovereignty and appreciation for His hand on her life. I’m not sure how serious the accident was, but it sounds like He could have chosen to take her home at that time had things gone differently, but He didn’t. I had cancer 10 years ago and I’ve often thought about the gift of God giving me more years and more life to live. It makes me grateful and also makes me wonder what He has for me to do. I marvel at His sovereign grace and wisdom.

I would also encourage your granddaughter to bring her questions and concerns to the Lord in prayer, and to ask Jesus to show her what to think and feel about this experience and how she can use it to honor Him. He is faithful and promises to give wisdom when we ask (James 1:5).

God bless you both.

Browse more resources on the topic of Heaven, and see Randy’s related books, including Heaven.

Photo by Maria Shanina on Unsplash