Steps
When I died, I found myself in a very strange place. Nothingness stretched from one horizon to the next. The sky itself was a somber blue, softly accenting the gray pebbles that lined the ground that I walked upon.
I walked for hours and hours, without rest. The nothingness stretched still before me, laughing at me, jeering at me for not finding the right solution to my predicament. What was the solution? I wondered.
And then, after a few moments of indecision, I realized what it was. It was He who gave me life. He was the solution. Finally genuinely happy, I walked forth once more. Praises rose from my lips, first in a soft whisper, and then in a loud crescendo. I sang of His love for me, and for all the world. I sang of the Son He gave to die for me, so that I might live.
The hours passed quickly now, though night never set. The sky remained a solemn blue, a tranquil sight that calmed my soul. I imagined God just behind me - something I have been doing for years now - and that any moment He would come up behind me and wrap me in His arms. I smiled at the thought. He has always kept me going through the bad times. He was the one who held me when I cried, and He was the one who loved me even when I refused to listen.
Suddenly, I heard a soft sound behind me, indescribable and indistinguishable. I turned quickly on my heel, my heart beating fast. Before me stood an staircase. A voice from no where and everywhere at the same time spoke to me, saying "Each step represents a good Christian deed you have done. Climb them now to reach Heaven." A sturdy railing had been constructed, and I gripped my shaking hands on it as I took my first step.
Step after step I climbed, until I came to the end of them, with no destination in sight. Peeking downward, I took in the rolling cloud-like masses that obstructed the ground from my sight. I pondered this new challenge, and after a moment's hesitation, I sat on the second step from the top, and placed my head in my hands, dejectedly. I was a bit sad when I realized that I had not done enough good deeds to reach the Heavens.
I sat there for a while, thinking about where I was supposed to go now. Where were all the signs, all the help needed to reach Heaven? Just before I reached despair, I realized that God MUST be watching me. He is everywhere, and He would never leave me alone, especially at the last turn before reaching Heaven's gates.
I stood up again, and cast my eyes heavenward. "God. I know you're up there. I am sorry that I did not do enough to reach your Heavens. I need your help, because I cannot come to you. Will you come to me?"
And within an instant He appeared before me, smiling gently. "My child, I have always been here with you. You have reached the end of your ability as a mortal to ascend to Heaven. No one can reach Heaven under their own power. All must put their faith and trust in Me. Now you must put your faith and trust in Me, and let Me carry you the rest of the way." He gathered me up in His arms gently, protecting me as always. And from there, He carried me up to the gates of Heaven.
When I died, I found myself in a very strange place. Nothingness stretched from one horizon to the next. The sky itself was a somber blue, softly accenting the gray pebbles that lined the ground that I walked upon.
I walked for hours and hours, without rest. The nothingness stretched still before me, laughing at me, jeering at me for not finding the right solution to my predicament. What was the solution? I wondered.
And then, after a few moments of indecision, I realized what it was. It was He who gave me life. He was the solution. Finally genuinely happy, I walked forth once more. Praises rose from my lips, first in a soft whisper, and then in a loud crescendo. I sang of His love for me, and for all the world. I sang of the Son He gave to die for me, so that I might live.
The hours passed quickly now, though night never set. The sky remained a solemn blue, a tranquil sight that calmed my soul. I imagined God just behind me - something I have been doing for years now - and that any moment He would come up behind me and wrap me in His arms. I smiled at the thought. He has always kept me going through the bad times. He was the one who held me when I cried, and He was the one who loved me even when I refused to listen.
Suddenly, I heard a soft sound behind me, indescribable and indistinguishable. I turned quickly on my heel, my heart beating fast. Before me stood an staircase. A voice from no where and everywhere at the same time spoke to me, saying "Each step represents a good Christian deed you have done. Climb them now to reach Heaven." A sturdy railing had been constructed, and I gripped my shaking hands on it as I took my first step.
Step after step I climbed, until I came to the end of them, with no destination in sight. Peeking downward, I took in the rolling cloud-like masses that obstructed the ground from my sight. I pondered this new challenge, and after a moment's hesitation, I sat on the second step from the top, and placed my head in my hands, dejectedly. I was a bit sad when I realized that I had not done enough good deeds to reach the Heavens.
I sat there for a while, thinking about where I was supposed to go now. Where were all the signs, all the help needed to reach Heaven? Just before I reached despair, I realized that God MUST be watching me. He is everywhere, and He would never leave me alone, especially at the last turn before reaching Heaven's gates.
I stood up again, and cast my eyes heavenward. "God. I know you're up there. I am sorry that I did not do enough to reach your Heavens. I need your help, because I cannot come to you. Will you come to me?"
And within an instant He appeared before me, smiling gently. "My child, I have always been here with you. You have reached the end of your ability as a mortal to ascend to Heaven. No one can reach Heaven under their own power. All must put their faith and trust in Me. Now you must put your faith and trust in Me, and let Me carry you the rest of the way." He gathered me up in His arms gently, protecting me as always. And from there, He carried me up to the gates of Heaven.