Hi Terry, I believe Jesus gave us that parable to show how many people do get a glimpse of the actual truth, yet for all sorts of reason they cannot endure and we actually can see that in all the people who come through this forum. Now I'm sure some of those just stop posting and actually I believe there are some that join and never post. But there must be a great amount that come for awhile and then just turn away and you can tell this as our members number does not grow, for the most part those leaving are just replaced by those newly coming in.
But the thing is those that turn away from this truth, for what ever reason, were never elect to start with... that is what I believe the parable is showing us. What I mean is that many see this truth and embrace it, but without the Spirit of God they have nothing of their own means that they can endure all the trials and temptations that will surely come. It's all of God... one of the greatest lies of this world is the idea that we can determine our own fate.
But if you are seeing these truths and are continuing to have a desire to cling to God's truth and learn more, then you have a real hope. Sure we will stumble at times, God uses those as leaning lessons to teach us. You just have to keep trying to do the best you can do, that's all any of us can do.
Heb 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Just know that you have come further than almost all of humanity in knowing what truth really is, that in itself is huge. So hold onto that hope and push all those negative thoughts of the adversary out of your mind, worrying about things you have no control over serve no good purpose. But gain confidence in the knowledge that if you are meant to be chosen nothing can prevent it, rest on that hope!
John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
v. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
v. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
1Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
v. 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
mercy, peace and love
Kat