Tim Keller once shared the story of Alice, a woman who endured severe abuse throughout much of her life. Yet despite everything she suffered, she remained loving, joyful, and filled with hope—a hope beyond this life.

When Tim asked how she could still live with such peace, she explained that Jesus would one day make all things right. She believed the broken things of this world would not stay broken forever.

Near the end of her life, Alice fell into a coma and was placed on a respirator. Tim visited her and read John 14:1-3 aloud:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid. I go to prepare a place for you… so you may be with Me where I am.”

As he read, her expression changed. The sadness in her face lifted and became peaceful.

Tim later said:
“What makes heaven heaven is — I’ll be there.”

That is the hope of Christ.
Not the absence of pain in life.
But the presence of Jesus forever.