“When We All Get To Heaven” - Eliza Hewitt

1851–1920

Christians have an amazing promise—the promise of spending eternity in heaven. The Bible gives us glimpses of a heaven where the streets are paved with gold; angels are singing nonstop; and there is no pain, no crying, no sorrow. In heaven, we will be in the presence of God. It’s something to look forward to, for sure, and that’s what Eliza Hewitt wrote about in her well-known hymn “When We All Get to Heaven.”

When we all get to heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

A well-educated woman, Eliza graduated as valedictorian of her class. She became a schoolteacher and taught until a spinal injury made it too painful to work. From her bed, where she faced a long recovery, she studied and wrote. Her output included the text for some seventy hymns—including “Stepping in the Light,” “Sunshine in My Soul Today,” “More about Jesus,” and “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.” After some recuperation, she was able to teach Sunday school again at her church, where she continued to influence young people.

Sometimes Christians are criticized for being “so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good.” Not Eliza. It might have been easy for her to languish on her sickbed and wait for glory, but she didn’t. In spite of her ailment, she found ways to contribute to God’s glory on earth. The hymns she wrote during her recovery have brought countless people closer to God. Eliza was certainly looking forward to heaven, but she knew she still had lots of life to live here on earth. Her original plans of being a schoolteacher weren’t working out anymore, but she kept on living and learning.

We’re here on earth for a reason. This is where God has put us for this specific time. We have jobs to do, things to learn, a relationship to build with God, and relationships with other people to enjoy. Sure, it will be great when we all get to heaven, but here on earth it can be pretty wonderful too.

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Romans 14:8