Ask The Pastor
October 2008


When a baby or a young child dies, when we get to Heaven are they grown or still babies?

This is a question so many parents have after the heartbreaking loss of a beloved child. I do hope I can comfort you with these words.

Earth is a reflection of Heaven, and because of that I do believe children who go there at an early age will continue to grow to a certain age and to a certain level. I also believe every child will be immediately recognized and known by their parents, no matter how much growth takes place from the time they leave earth until the time they are reunited as a family in Heaven.

The Bible says God will wipe every tear from our eyes (see Revelation 7:17). This means there will be no feeling of having missed something when we get to Heaven. All of the things we count as loss here on earth will be regained in the blink of an eye when we see Jesus face to face. I understand that platitudes and empty words do not bring comfort, but I trust the words of the Bible will bring comfort to your hurting heart.

Why is Satan still alive until now if GOD is powerful?

Satan is an eternal being, as are all angels. He gained access to the earth by Adam’s sin. He will be cast into hell in the end, and his judgment will be complete. Suggested reading: Romans 5:12-16; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Revelation 20:7-15

Why does God feel so close at certain times but so far away at others?

This is an age-old question; one that we all face at various times in our Christian walk. While there is no single answer to such a broad question, there are certain conclusions we can draw as we consider it.

There will be times in our walk with the Lord when He will feel very close. It may be because we are more sensitive during that season than at other times. Our increased sensitivity may be due to our own focus on spiritual things, or due to our intense pursuit of answers to certain questions.

There are other times when His presence will feel stronger because we have been struggling, and when we suddenly sense His comfort it can seem overwhelming, in a good way.

Sometimes our lack of sensitivity may be due to our lack of focus, or due to our busyness in life. In some cases God will simply require us to walk by faith and not by sight or feeling.

There are also times when God will use the dryness in one area to draw us to another area. If you read I Kings chapter 17 you will see a great story where Elijah experienced a drawing to go to another place precisely because the place where he was became uncomfortable. God can use our times of seeking for His presence to lead us and guide us to the place where He needs us to be.

Whatever the case, we have to understand that God promised He would never leave us nor forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). He is always with us, no matter if we can sense His presence or not. Life is seasonal, and we must recognize that whatever the season, whether hot or cold, sensitive or insensitive, it will pass and change. If we are aware that change is coming, it will be easier to continue standing in faith until we make it to the next time when God’s presence seems so powerful and comforting.