Last year we lost our only child to cancer. He was only 29. He trusted Jesus for salvation and on his tombstone is the wonderful, assuring verse, “absent from the body; present with the Lord.” But, I would love to know if my son is awake and enjoying his new life or is he simply sleeping? I’ve asked Jesus to give you the right answer for me. Thank you so much!
When Paul, who had visited the throne of God (2 Cor. 12:2-4), claimed that it was better by far to be away from the body and in the presence of the Lord (Phil. 1:23), he was speaking from experience and I don’t think he would have said that about sleeping.
I believe your son is more aware than he’s ever been and lacks only one thing to make his joy complete, and that’s the resurrection body he’ll receive when the Church is raptured and he’s reunited with you.