Grace

What is grace?

Grace is a gift. Our work doesn’t consistently demonstrate that we should earn it. God loves us because we are his children. Grace is not earned. It is freely given. Paul tells us in the Book of Romans, 11:6, “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works, if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”

Some have a misconception about how to come to the Lord. They may think you need to have had a sin free life, or that he would not accept you into the Kingdom if you’ve messed up. The opposite is true. Whether we are a “Noah” or fall short (we all do), God longs to be with you.

The ‘doing’ good will get us into heaven, but the doing is just a reflection of how we feel in our hearts. All we have is now, so let’s make the most of it. God can pull you out of your past, so you can live fully in the present. The path will not always be an easy one. God may call you to put away selfish desires, arrogance, or any sense of entitlement.

Following God is not always a “live your best life” kind of path. At times there may be hardship and even rejection. It isn’t always pleasurable. He is continually molding and shaping us. When you ask the Lord to direct you, he will guide your steps. It will be worth it in the end. When you know where the grace in your life comes from, it makes it that much more special.

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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

A Cheerful Heart Is Like Medicine!

We sometimes go through hardship; I’d like to offer you some advice if you are. Stay the course. My point is, God will take you even further than what you’ve dreamt. He has the capability. With God, nothing is impossible.

Having faith has so much to do with what we envision. We don’t always realize that; sometimes, we think that having faith comes only through what we hear or learn. But faith comes through what we envision; imagination is a powerful tool.

But not listening to doctors and science is detrimental. You see, what you hear is essential, too. What you hear has a way of affecting you either negatively or positively. The people who haven’t listened to the precautions out there now have been more likely to get sick.

So, faith does come by what we hear, too. We must have faith in science. I’ve been able to accomplish walking again, though, because I envisioned it twenty-five years ago after I suffered paralysis (I had faith in it). I have also worked very hard.

We may be feeling low and not know how to rise above depression. We may not have faith in ourselves or be too effected by outside circumstances. God’s angels are near, and I have heard God’s voice from deep within instruct me and even speak ‘loudly’ and tell me what to do.

I never stop giving thanks. When you have a grateful heart and thank God for everything, you receive blessings because a thankful heart will provide you with grace. I know it can be challenging to feel that way all the time. But try to think of all that God has done for you!

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 new people are among her hobbies. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, or Twitter.

How to Stay in Grace

It is hard to be in a state of grace when there is opposition. You may have a loud neighbor, a mean co-worker, or someone you don’t get along with. There are many things that can keep us from grace. I feel far from grace right now. My health is not what it should be, and my father’s not doing well. The ability to live in grace all the time would be a wonderful feat. How nice if I could always feel grace. I would like to try it so I will not be stressed, and I will not get angry when people point fingers. When all my efforts are not appreciated, I will remember why I worked so hard in the first place – to be obedient to God. I will do my best even when I don’t get credit. I will not give up. So my joy cannot be taken. I can teach myself to live in a state of grace no matter what. And that would be a very beautiful thing…

About Zina

Zina Hermez authored the book Not Without God: A Story of Survival and created the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions! online website. Zina works as an English Language Instructor, and has been an educator for nearly fifteen years. Her thousands of students have been from many parts of the world, and she’s worked with all ages.

Zina writes articles on faith and overcoming disability, and her stories have been featured in Christianity Today, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, SCI Access, newsletters, and medical journals among many other various publications. To learn more about Zina visit http://zinahermez.com.