What does it mean to walk with Jesus in a messy, unpredictable world? It’s a question I’ve been reflecting on as I strive to emulate Him, not just in my actions but in how I approach life itself. Lately, my curiosity about God, the afterlife, and the purpose of pain has led me to dive into Near-Death Experience (NDE) stories. These accounts have offered profound insights into love, grace, and the bigger picture of why we’re here.
Through my own experiences—wrestling with struggles, exploring faith, and striving to live with grace and compassion—I’ve come to see life as a journey of growth. Here’s what I’ve been learning about God’s plan, the role of pain, and how grace connects us all.
Searching for God in the Everyday
This morning began like any other: I woke up early, made breakfast, and headed out to charge my car before church. After helping with the audiovisual setup during the service, I found myself reflecting on something deeper. I’ve been drawn to stories of those who’ve come face to face with God, particularly through NDEs.
While my car charged later that day, I listened to Vincent Tolman’s story, where he shared how his spirit guide helped him see the purpose of life and pain. He described heaven not just as a place of peace but as one where love and grace are at the center. Pain, he explained, has a purpose here on earth—it’s how we learn lessons we can’t grasp in the perfection of heaven.
This resonated with me deeply. It reminded me of something Dr. Rajiv Parti wrote in Dying to Wake Up: our experiences here, even the hardest ones, are part of a greater plan to prepare us for eternity. These stories, paired with my faith, have shifted my perspective on pain, purpose, and how we’re called to reflect God’s love.
Soul Insights
1. Grace Prepares Us for Heaven
In Tolman’s NDE account, he described how he initially mistook his spirit guide for God. This struck me because it shows how grace is not just about forgiveness but also about guidance. It’s God’s way of drawing us closer to Him, helping us navigate life’s messes with love and purpose.
The Bible affirms this in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Grace is an invitation to grow and change, a reminder that we’re loved unconditionally. As Max Lucado says, “Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.”
2. Compassion Reflects God’s Love
One of the most moving parts of NDE stories is the overwhelming compassion people feel, not just from God but for everyone they’ve ever encountered. This mirrors Jesus’ teachings, where compassion is central to how we’re called to live.
Matthew 9:36 captures this perfectly: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Compassion isn’t just a feeling—it’s a bridge that connects us to others and to God’s heart. It challenges me to slow down, listen, and truly care for those around me.
3. Pain Has a Divine Purpose
Pain is one of the hardest parts of life, but NDE accounts repeatedly affirm its value. In Dr. Parti’s story, he reflected on how the challenges we face here are opportunities for growth—lessons that prepare us for eternity. This echoes Romans 5:3-4: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
It’s comforting to know that pain isn’t pointless. It’s a tool God uses to shape us, deepen our faith, and make us more compassionate. When I face struggles, I remind myself that they’re not the end—they’re stepping stones to something greater.
4. Love Is the Center of Everything
In every NDE story I’ve read, love is described as the foundation of heaven—a love so pure and unconditional that it’s hard to put into words. This aligns with what Jesus taught us: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
This kind of love is transformative. It challenges me to let go of judgment, extend forgiveness, and approach others with the same grace God shows me. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
5. Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps Leads to Purpose
One of the common themes in NDE stories is the clarity people gain when they return. They often describe feeling a renewed sense of purpose, a desire to live intentionally and love deeply. This reminds me of Jesus’ words in John 13:15: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
For me, walking in Jesus’ footsteps means striving to reflect His grace and compassion every day. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about choosing to grow closer to Him, step by step. Every act of love and forgiveness prepares us for the ultimate goal: spending eternity with God.
Final Thoughts
Life can feel messy and overwhelming, but these reflections—and the stories of those who’ve glimpsed the other side—remind me that there’s a bigger plan at work. Grace and compassion are tools God gives us to navigate this world, to love others as He loves us, and to grow in faith and character.
As I continue to walk this path, I’m comforted by the knowledge that every challenge, every act of kindness, and every step toward Jesus brings me closer to Him. When life feels uncertain, I hold onto this truth: there is purpose in the mess, and God’s grace is enough to carry us through.
Let’s walk together in grace, compassion, and love, finding God in the everyday moments and holding onto the hope of eternity.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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