Hi Joe,
This is a great thread and your post sparked a few thoughts of my own, my comments in brown.
It is a fact that we can only experience the things that God puts in our path, we do not accomplish anything of ourselves, I know this seems rather basic but seeing this repeated so often throughout the Old and New Testament it amazes me that virtually all Christiandom believes man himself needs to choose and come to Him rather than He chooses and comes to us to complete His work.
This is so true, but I am not sure that the fact that so many get it wrong should be surprising, because, they have only they only have eys and ears to hear what has been given them to hear. As you say, man can do nothing on his own, the simple truth is if anyone believes such, God has yet to release his Spirit in a greater measure.
Mat 19:11 Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.
Exo 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Terrible to our flesh yet glorious to our spirit, I still find it incredible and at the same time humbling that the Creator and Source of all power and life would take an interest in such an insignificant player in the scheme of the world such as myself.
This is a tough one my friend, because I know how you feel. Yet this is the beauty and the simplicity of his love. It is unconditional and not earned. Quite a strange concept in this world.
Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
Once again the fallacy of "free will" is demolished, who has the power within themselves to change what God has ordained?
I could run with this but yes, it is not up to man to even direct his steps.
Jer 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
This must allude to your first comment, man can walk wherever he wants, but he will never find God, until God wants to be found.
Luk 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
This would seem to mean (at least to me) no matter how hard I study, analyze and meditate, I will not grow in favor or staure in God's eyes. Trust is the key here, trusting everything to him.
Ecc 8:17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
When we believe we of ourselves can know or figure out what His plan and purpose for us we are then doomed to failure, understanding that He will open our spiritual eyes and ears in His good time requires a faith that again can only come from above.
I agree with this 100%, but it is only half the story I feel. I think this subject fits very well with the folowing parable
Mat 25:14 For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Mat 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Mat 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents.
Mat 25:17 And likewise he that [had received] two, he also gained other two.
Mat 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
Mat 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat 25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine.
Mat 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
It would appear that those to whom much is given, much is also expected. Sometimes, it is hard knowing when to wait and when to search, but to do nothing is surely doom
Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
I have come to the point in my life that wasting time second guessing God is fruitless, it brings me no joy or peace of mind. My greatest comfort is when I listen with my heart and soul, and then act. The messages may be subtle and often overlooked, but I find with time they become very loud and clear.
Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
It all comes down to trust and nothing else.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[fn1] your paths.
I hope this fits with what you intended ,
Love to you my brother
Darren