BookofActs

Sometimes our prayers get answered in a way we least expect. Let’s look at the lame man in the Book of Acts (Acts 3). “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer–at three in the afternoon. Now a lame man from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg (for alms) from those going into the temple courts.” The man asked for money because his paralysis debilitated his finances too. But on one of the many days the lame man asked for money, he got something more!

The man knew that Peter and John could help him. Peter said, “Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him, and immediately the man’s feet and ankle bones received strength. So, he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple gate with them—walking, leaping, and praising God! Notice how the man’s miracle happened suddenly? He waited for a long time. As a matter of fact, he waited his whole life.

I think he thought he could no longer be healed anymore. Have you ever felt like it’s been too long for something good to happen to you? Have you ever felt like God’s forgotten about you? I mention him because on one of the many long days he sat there begging for sufficient funds, he got something more! He walked.

God knows what’s best for us. He doesn’t always say “yes.” He sometimes says “not right now.” But there’s no end to a prayer. You can never tell when or how it will get answered.

The holy spirit dwells within all of us, so when we activate prayer we turn on a switch. The God of all energy hears us. Even when it feels like God doesn’t hear you or your prayers are in vain, something is happening. You’ve opened the gateway. There are different forms of prayer. But think of prayer as a pathway to peace.

Once you make a request, there is usually an unfolding of events. At first you may hear from your intuition. Prayer doesn’t mean God will grant all your wishes. But when you keep the faith, God will compensate. For every prayer there is an answer.

About Zina

Zina Hermez has authored the best selling book, Not Without God: A Story of Survival. She’s been featured in numerous articles, guest posts, podcasts, websites, newsletters, and magazines. She’s just been featured on the popular, Intuitive Edge podcast! She’s also been on ESPN’s ‘Solutions from the Huddle’ broadcast and on Grace and Truth Radio World! Zina’s written several hundred articles and has taught thousands of students from all over the world from many different backgrounds and cultures. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Suite T blog, and the Southern Writers magazine among other places. She writes on faith, science, and overcoming adversity. She also writes on health and diet and loves to help others. Her latest book, Not Without God: Hope In the Storm is live and for sale! You can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-God-Hope-Storm-ebook/dp/B09P9T2DLT

Since we have free will, some may think they can choose their destiny. But I believe fate and free will have to work in harmony. Determinism is a theory that says God determines everything and it’s pre-written. According to physics, though, we are ‘particles’ with endless possibilities. Although the Laws of the Universe wholly govern us, in an eternal universe, anything is possible.

What’s meant to be is a part of our destiny. Some people don’t believe in fate because we have choices. Our choices can determine our future, but our choices do not always determine the result. Meaning we don’t always get what we choose. God is in control, ultimately. He wants to see our dreams happen.

But he is our designer and the maker of everything! Life is complicated. There are twists and turns, and the path is not straight. We can decide, but things may not go the way we had planned or our way.

My advice to my friends when caught in predicaments is to pray. Stay in Faith. When you pray through anything, you’ll have knowledge, wisdom, and strength. When I say pray, I don’t necessarily mean bringing your desperate pleas to the Lord. He already knows what’s in our hearts. The Holy Spirit searches our hearts and conveys our messages to God.

Prayer means spending time with him, conversing, meditating on his word, and sharing your thoughts. Of course, you can make requests. But trust in God. He will give you your answers. You don’t have to spend hours praying, either. Prayer can be straightforward and just sharing requests and thoughts.

God will help you through anything if you put him first. He has to be the one you go to, the one you depend upon most. Ask him to help you discern and lead you to the right decisions.

The people in the Bible didn’t question whether or not they heard from the Lord. They knew when he was speaking. It wasn’t a question of whether or not they can hear from him. They followed his wise instruction. Sometimes angels even appeared and performed miracles, like when Paul, the Apostle, was freed from prison in the Book of Acts. It was an angel who appeared and opened the gates.

Because Paul had great faith, without faith, that miracle could’ve never happened. He will lead you to the right people, situations, and assistance if you ask. God has told me to wait on change and that the hardship I’m enduring has not gone in vain. He will tell you what to do if you listen and be patient.

Talk with him. It is how you can best hear. I mean by sharing your thoughts. You don’t have to talk out loud. You can speak to him in your heart. Give him your concerns, ask questions, and don’t forget to thank him. He’s always there. Your questions will get answered. Sooner or later.

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored “Not Without God: A Story of Survival.” Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and over 200 of her blog posts. As an educator for more than twenty years, she’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. Her writing endeavors earned her an invitation to speak at the Harvard Faculty Club’s “Business Expert Forum.” Zina’s goal is to help others overcome adversity, and she strives to do what she longs to–help other people. Socializing with friends, taking business trips, listening to music, and meeting people are among her hobbies. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, or Twitter.