Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real: a book review

 ‘“God really, really loves us, Dad. You can’t belieeeve how much he loves us!” As eager as Colton was to tell about what God looked like, he was just as eager to tell me what God felt like towards us.’

Recently I finished one of the best books I have ever read. Not only was it extremely gripping and well written, it told the most extraordinary and hope-giving story. What’s more… it is all true.

In Heaven is for Real, Todd Burpo tells the story of his little boy Colton’s unexpected trip to heaven and back during an emergency appendectomy. The family were losing their little boy and losing hope with him. After Colton’s rapid improvement a stunned nurse said “there has to be a God, because this is a miracle.”

“In heaven, Dad. That’s where all the rainbow colours are… Nobody’s old in heaven. And nobody wears glasses.”

The innocence and latent content of the words spoken by such a young child are perhaps what makes this encounter of heaven, a place we long for, so touching and credible. Colton is unafraid of death since returning from heaven. It is a place of safety and comfort. It is a place where we can finally meet Jesus in person and be surrounded by God’s light.

When Colton was in hospital his parents were despairing and so were the nurses. The child looked like death and it was terrifying. It culminated in Todd going into a small room and praying, or more like yelling, at God. And yet, however angry he was with God, He answered and returned his son to him. “Can you believe that I could pray like that, and God would still answer it ‘yes’?”

Todd reflected on it by saying, ‘I learned that I didn’t have to offer some kind of churchy, holy-sounding prayer in order to be heard in heaven.  Most importantly of all, I learned that I was heard.’

I found this one of the most affirming and amazing things. To have that confirmation that God hears and answers prayers, even when things seem to have completely fallen apart, is invaluable.

The other element of this story which for some people must be life changing to hear is that Colton met his miscarried sister in heaven. She was there, taken care of, and waiting for the day she could meet her parents in eternity. Even those babies who don’t quite make it into our world are welcomed into heaven.

When I finished reading this book, I wanted to share it with everyone. I wanted everyone to read this book to help them affirm their faith, be it weak or strong. It will deepen your understanding of Jesus’ love and increase how you value the importance of personal prayer.

I would really recommend reading and discovering this life changing story. In Colton’s words, what he wanted us to find out from his story was:

‘I want them to know that heaven is for real.’

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