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Having had a career in biology, I know that scientific discoveries provide compelling reasons to worship God. For example, the structure of DNA defies chance assembly. Yet until one of the world's most renowned scientists, Stephen Hawking, died in 2018, he was an outspoken atheist. He apparently died devoid of any religious sentiment, but he had a strong belief in science. In his book, The Theory of Everything, he wrote, "If you believe in science, like I do, you believe that there are certain laws that are always obeyed. If you like, you can say the laws are the work of God, but that is more a definition of God than a proof of his existence." He also wrote, "We are each free to believe what we want, and it's my view that the simplest explanation is that there is no God. No one created the universe and no one directs our fate. This leads me to a profound realisation: there is probably no heaven and afterlife either."
My faith journey has been different than that of Stephen Hawking. Whereas he believed only in science and natural causes, I believe in the Word through which all things were made. Stephen Hawking believed that science could not prove that God exists, whereas I believe that each of us is born with the ability to call on God and to know that He is there.
If Stephen held onto his convictions to the end, then he died an atheist. By denying God, Stephen Hawking's life unfolded as predicted by the apostle Paul:
Romans 1:20-22 – For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. (NIV)
Christians, too, will die, but we will leave this world knowing that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV) My career in science greatly fortified my trust in Scripture, and on many occasions, I was prompted to worship the almighty — but very personal — God. A scientist like Stephen Hawking cannot see God in the evidence, and will foolishly conclude that "there is probably no heaven and afterlife either."
As Christians, we know the good news. Let us continue to proclaim this good news to a world full of intelligent people making foolish decisions.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the wonders that You have created and for giving us the scientific ability to explore how they work. May the wisdom of Your works and the truth of Your Word grow within us, until all questions are answered when we meet You face to face. Amen.
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – In Yemen — Pray for our Yemeni national church. We now have more believers than the rest of the Saudi peninsula combined. Pray for us to be bold and discerning as we share our faith. Pray for us to also be continually growing in our relationship with Jesus.
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Well said! Thank you.
Thank you, Gary, for your testimony.
Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, Gary.
Very interesting, thank you. Lots to think about.
Thank you for this very thought-provoking devotion. Interesting!
Very powerful message Gary. Thank you for sharing with blessings.
Beautiful. I’m going to forward this to my declared atheist brother-in-law!!
Amen and amen! Thanks for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
To God be the glory! Blessings.
Science evolves, changes – the world was flat and you could fall off – John 3:16 is a God of Love and Hope for today and tomorrow.
Thank you, Gary, for pointing out the difference between Mr. Hawkin’s beliefs and a Christian’s, we have the knowledge of the eternal life in Heaven. Blessings.
Thank you, Gary, for a wonderful contribution to our devotions today. We appreciate your wisdom and faith and thank you for the beautiful prayer at the conclusion. Keep writing!
Thank you for your contribution this morning. Divine mystery has lived with us so long it defies chance and becomes our reality. Either way gratitude is in order.
(ON)
Thank you for writing. I will forward this piece to my family and friends because we believers are often questioned on the presence of God. Well written.
(Manitoba)
Thank you for your devotional this morning. Yes, our Lord deserves so much gratitude and praise for all the beauty He has created in our world as well for each person created so individually. Blessings for contributing to the Devotional program.
Good morning, Gary!
This is an awesome and inspiring devotional. Thank you for sharing your beliefs and the truth about Our Mighty God – the God who loves us so much that He sent us His Son so that we may have everlasting life. Much appreciated,
Peace!
Good morning, Gary,
I really enjoyed your devotional this morning. I remember reading about Stephen Hawkin on occasion and I wondered if he ever came to faith. I guess he didn’t. I am always amazed at the words of scripture and how they apply to people of all times, the one you chose is such a one.
Romans 1:20-22 – For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Without excuse indeed.
Blessings on your day and thank you for your good words.
Good morning, Gary!
Isn’t it mind boggling that people can’t see and understand that all the wonders you scientists study can’t possibly have happened by chance.
A neighbour once was sitting in my family room saying how she couldn’t believe in God. I took her to look at my table in front of the window with its many plants/flowers. I pointed out how each was so unique… colouring, bloom shapes, leaves, sizes, etc. and asked how they could all possibly be so unique and have happened by chance.
Thanks for writing this devotional. What a privilege we have to share and point others to the Living Word through whom all things came into being!
Blessings.
I love this. Thank you so much. God bless you always.
(US)
Dear Gary:
Many thanks for your wonderful and deep Devotional.
May God bless your work and your Christian ministry (we all are priests).
Best regards in Christ.
Thank you for your devotional and sharing about Stephen Hawking. He probably never read Psalm 14 and 53. His heart is hardened, and he will probably die without believing unless someone keeps on witnessing to him and he receives the truth by the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings.
So well said, Gary. Thank you.
(Texas USA)
Thank you for your devotional and sharing about Stephen Hawking.