determinism

So there is a bit of a debate about cosmic order and whether or not everything has been predetermined. Determinism states that there is no such thing as free will. Your future is already predicted, as was your past, etc. However, there is this other theory called Open Theism. What that means is that God is the greatest chess player that has ever lived. He knows all the steps we can take and every which way we can go. Not only that, but he has a plan for every step. Even for when we fail. Isn’t it amazing that we have a God who loves us so much that he has a plan for when we fail also? Whether it is determinism, open theism or a little bit of both that exists, it doesn’t matter too much. What matters to me is that I have a God who loves me so much that no matter what, he will be there. He will be the one listening when I need a friendly ear. He will be the one with me when I have to visit a sick relative in the hospital. He will be with me when I go on a new opportunity or if I have any heartbreak. He will be there with me every day. Every time. God’s love never fails. Friendship may fail. God’s won’t. Relationships may fade, God will always be there. He isn’t a fair-weather friend. He isn’t only here for a ‘season.’ He is here for life. For eternity. I’m so glad he is because I wouldn’t have it any another way. He’s the one who brings me through every time.

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the best-selling book “Not Without God: A Story of Survival.” Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and over 250 of her own blog articles. 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 upcoming book, “Not Without God: Hope In the Storm” will be out later this year. 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. She’s appeared in Christianity Today, the Southern Writers magazine, and Suite T blog, among other places. Socializing with friends, taking business trips, listening to music, and meeting new people are among her hobbies. She was recently featured on Color Speak (a Grace and Truth Radio World! podcast). You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, or Twitter.

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.