Product Description

For those who have lost a child to death, Jack Hayford provides compassionate answers to troubling questions such as, What happened to my baby after it died? Will I ever see my baby again-and will I recognize him? what happens if I've had an abortion? Does God have a reason for letting my child die? God's Word shines with hope in the dark night of human pain. God showed his tenderness when David lost the child he had with Bathsheba shortly after its birth. In his pain and grief, David spoke the word of revelation-reassuring word of God's truth-saying, "I will go to (my child) but he will not return to me" (2 Samuel 12:19-23). The freeing truth of the Word of God promises that, like David, you will hold your child again in heaven.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #71537 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 117 pages

About the Author
Jack W. Hayford is founding pastor of The Church On The Way in Los Angeles, and is chancellor of The King's College and Seminary. His ministry reaches around the world through television, radio, his books and music he has written. His books with Regal include I'll Hold You In Heaven, Worship His Majesty The Christmas Miracle and Living the Spirit-Formed Life. Pastor Hayford is the general editor of The Spirit-Filled Life Bible and an advisory editor for Ministries Today magazine.

Customer Reviews

I'll hold you in heaven
This is a wonderful little book to help parents who have just lost their little one.

comfort for all those who grieve
This book provides comfort in the form of in depth scripture analysis for all those who have lost a baby. I verified with the bible that the scriptures used in the book were correctly quoted and found they were. The book gave me great hope and healing in knowing that I would hold my babies in heaven one day. I learned that even though they passed into heaven long before they were fully physically developed, they were spiritually developed and I would know them when I see them in heaven. I can't stress enough the comfort and hope that this books brings through sound biblical teaching. Also an invaluable gift to give to anyone who has lost a child before or shortly after birth.

I'll Hold You In Heaven
The stated purpose of Jack Hayford's book, I'll Hold You In Heaven, is "to offer a path to hope and healing - not through happy talk or platitudes, but through the solid footing of the holy truth of God's Word." (p. 10) This book addresses its message to those who have lost a child prior to birth (as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion) or shortly thereafter. He carefully addresses many of the hard questions asked by those who have been affected by such losses in a caring and biblical manner, looking to Scripture as the ultimate source of hope and comfort.

It is an easy read, in the literary sense - simple and straightforward in it's message, and only 117 pages. But, from a purely emotional standpoint, it can be an extremely difficult book to tackle. There were days that I was determined to begin reading, but I could not get past the title before the tears started. But, as the newness of the pain lessened, I once again decided to pick up this book, and give it another try.

The first three chapters lay the foundation for the hope that can be found in the following pages. First, the author begins with the understanding that true hope, in any situation or circumstance, can only come from God's Word. This perspective is key to the hope and encouragement that Hayford offers his readers. He establishes, in the first few pages, that life is a gift from the Creator. God has given man the ability to reproduce not only physical bodies, but eternal souls! Hayford clearly gives evidence that life not only begins at conception, but is real and eternal from that point.

"Here is the crux of the matter, for if we are only dealing with chemistry or tissue in examining the nature of the fetus or the stillborn, there is little at stake. But...there is something more involved here than mere chemical combinations or complex structures of tissues." (p. 16)

He is quick to point out that "no unborn child is without distinct spiritual significance in God's design." (p. 52) There is great encouragement to be found in this truth, because

"...there is no being without purpose in the larger providences of God. His purposes may not always harmonize with ours, but in the eternal symphony, we will come to recognize better the part played by each creature - even when the note played by circumstances seems dissonant." (p. 51)

However, this perspective can often raise more questions than it answers. Hayford approaches these difficult questions with the sensitive heart of a pastor, but also with a straightforward and honest look at the reality and consequences of sin.

Will my unborn child go to Heaven or Hell? Of course, the emotional response is that they would go to Heaven. And, while this is the belief of the author, he is quick to remind the reader that the answer must be based on the authority of Scripture, not on emotional whims.

What will they look like? Hayford does not attempt to answer the unanswerable. He simply states that their physical form in Heaven is as unpredictable to the parent now as it was before birth. But, the certainty is that they are not "wispy spooks" floating about. They have real, heavenly bodies, and they will be recognizable.

Will I recognize them? Yes, they will be recognized, and known. While the answer to this question can bring great comfort to those who have lost a child that was desired and planned for, the author realizes that it can cause shame and fear for the parent of an aborted child. He does not suggest that one is not responsible for the sinful choices they have made in the past, and the consequences that inevitably result. Instead, he responds with honest compassion, offering hope that the judgment of, and condemnation for sin lies only with God. And, if He has forgiven your sin then you are no longer condemned. (Romans 8:1)

Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." This verse is often quoted, in part, "as though we are helpless victims of God's sovereign will who, whatever happens, just have to hope for the best." (p. 81) But that is not the case at all! This verse gives hope and certainty to the believer that God can take any circumstance and use it for our good (and His glory).

Throughout the book Hayford offers biblical assurance for the existence of the lost child, their spiritual capacity, and eternal dwelling place. But, he does not pretend to ignore the very real feelings of grief and loss that can result from the experience of losing a child (whatever the reason). And he addresses the bitterness and anger that may result if those feelings are not dealt with biblically. He reminds the reader that we live in a fallen world, and death is the result of sin, it was not God's fault.

This book, I believe, achieves its purpose of offering hope and encouragement to those who have lost a child. It does not sidestep human sin and responsibility, but looks to God's Word for the answers to some very difficult questions. It was given to me after experiencing a miscarriage, by a friend who had been through the same. But, I would not hesitate to recommend it to those who have never experienced the loss of a child as well. Its compassionate and biblical approach to a painful topic would serve as a good resource for any believer.