This book was recommended to me. It didn't take very long to read. Really, I didn't want to read it at first. Maybe because I am not given to extremes it caused me to shy away from this book. I consider myself evangelical, moderately Calvinistic and have leanings to the Baptist faith. Don Piper, the author himself, is a Southern Baptist. So, I thought I'd give it a shot. I think too, that the TV guys on TBN many times gives the true gospel a black-eye. At the same time, I didn't want to rule out something that could have really happened. Years ago there was some guy that showed up at the radio station claiming he went to heaven. This guy had some weird ideas. I guess that event left me a bit skeptical. But, I thought I'd give this book a chance.
The book itself deals not so much of the ninety minutes Don spent in heaven as it does dealing with life here and now. From that perspective it really did touch me from that angle. Don Piper went through a horrible ordeal when an eighteen-wheeler crushed his '86 Ford Escort he was driving. Now, I owned an Escort and believe me, those things are small. At any rate, I have kept an open thought process to what happened to him. In chapter ten he wrote:
In spite of my stubborn resistance to showing emotion, the months of intense pain finally crumbled my resolve. I broke down and cried. I felt worthless, beaten down and useless. I was convinced I would never get better. "God, why is it like this? Why am I going through this constant pain that never seems to get better?" Again, I prayed for God to take me. I didn't want to live any longer. I wanted to go back home, and now for me, home meant heaven. (End of quote.)
I know many can relate to how Don felt. For, I too, have been there. Four years ago I developed physical pain that sometimes seems unbearable. Each month it seems like it is getting worse. And I haven't been anywhere near the pain that Don Piper must have been through.
You may ask, "Do you believe he did or did not go to heaven?" I'll answer it this way. I have reason to believe he did. That to me, is really between him and the Lord himself. I wasn't there. I do know that I have viewed some things in this life that I cannot physically explain. I have seen some healings. We had a lady that worked in our sales department who had a vetebrae problem. She showed me the before and after x-rays and there was no doubt she was healed! I have prayed for loved ones that were healed. Plus, in 1990 I almost died twice in a matter of three days. God spared my life. And just like Don Piper, there were people that were in my life during those two miserable weeks in the hospital. It's comforting to have those around when you really go through the fire! I know that Don Piper was so appreciative of those that stood by him. I remember the ones that were there for me when I thought I had "bought the farm." Ginger, Joel, Josh and Diana from the station immediately come to mind. I'll never forget their kindness.
If you get a chance, read Don's book. I do know this, heaven is real! Someday mortality will put on immortality. These aching bodies will ache no more. Those who live with chronic pain understand this all too well. Don's book was an encouragement to me as I deal with my pain. And...if you by chance, just happened to come across this post by accident, and you are in need of hope, give Don's book a chance! May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Hmmmm. I guess I'd have to read it to really have something to say. So, was there a mess up in heaven where they (i.e. God/Jesus/Holy Spirit) let the guy in and then modern medicine managed to take him away from heaven? Or, was God simply giving this man a glimpse of heaven to share with his creation? If that's his claim, is there any way to deal with that with scripture?
ReplyDeleteAm I too skeptical?
I'll read the book if I can find it in the library or if you want to send it to me.
I've read it, Randy...liked it a lot. I've read other books in which people claimed to have been to heaven, and they were ludicrous and semi-hysterical...they described a heaven that was more like a cartoon than a place I'd want to spend eternity. This book has the ring of truth!
ReplyDeleteCindy and Roger,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. First off, Roger, I understand your reason to be a bit skeptical about it, for I was too. I think you'd be able to form a better view of it after you read the book.
Cindy, I think you and I both remember the strange guy that came to the station and said that God sent him to heaven! Of course you know that I really "investigate" things closely. However, I wonder if I miss out on things that God can really do because I'm almost too cautious? On the same token, I'd rather be a bit cautious than to believe anything that comes down the road.
Thanks Roger and Cindy for writing!
Randy