My Answer/Billy Graham

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I tell God every day that I wish He'd just take me on to heaven and not make me stay here any longer. My husband died two years ago and I'm so lonely that all I can think about is being reunited with him in heaven. Am I wrong to feel this way? —V.C.

Dear V.C.: God knows your heartache, and it isn't necessarily wrong to want to cast off the burdens of this life and go on to heaven — which is our true home. The Apostle Paul declared, "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" (Philippians 1:23).

But have you ever asked yourself why God hasn't answered your prayer (at least in the way you wish He would)? The reason may be that He still has a purpose for you down here — something He wants to accomplish through your life. I don't know what it is, but I urge you to pray about it and ask Him to show you what it is.

I think, for example, of a widow I know who grieved deeply over the death of her husband. But one day she met another widow who also was grieving — and she realized that God could use her to encourage and help this woman. And God continues to use her to bring comfort and hope to others who are grieving.