My Answer: Those in Heaven Aware of Earth's Happenings

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Monday, January 21, 2008

Q: Do you think people in heaven remember what went on during their lifetimes on earth? I'd hate to think my husband (who died last year) has forgotten all about me or doesn't remember the happiness we had together. — Mrs. L.Y.

A: The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about heaven. One reason is because heaven is far, far greater than anything we can ever imagine. As the Bible says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Nevertheless, the Bible does indicate that those who have gone to heaven before us are aware of what is happening on earth. The writer of Hebrews, for example, uses the image of a great arena to illustrate this, with those who have gone before us watching and cheering us on: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses ... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). When Moses and Elijah returned from heaven to meet with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, they spoke about events taking place on earth (see Luke 9:30-31).

An even greater truth, however, is that God has not forgotten us! He knows our struggles and heartaches, and He wants to give us strength and hope for the rest of our earthly journey. Even now Jesus is praying for us; the Bible says, "He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Is your hope in Him?

Someday, this life will end, and we who belong to Christ will go to be with Him in heaven forever, along with all those who have gone before us. Until that day, live with this hope in your heart.

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Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories — through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.