I have watched "It's a Wonderful Life" again and I just want to make sure you see what I am speaking of in these movies.
Jimmy Stewart is in a tremendous, carnal, crisis and it seems there is no way out. The circumstances drives him to seclusion (wilderness) and he has experiences and revelations he could never have received if he had stayed at home (Bablyon) After he goes through the experiences (through the water and the fire) he then knows in his belly the true truth. When this truth is completely known by him, he is completely set free. At that point, as far as he knows, his circumstances have not changed one bit, but his reaction and attitude toward them change dramatically. All of a sudden everything that was bad to him from the car wreck, to the Savings & Loan, to the newel post cap, to the lost money becomes complete joy. Even the warrant for his arrest is a joy to him. He counts it all joy.
I think it is an amazing example or shadow so to speak of how the knowledge of God's plan works out. I do think it should end with "No man is a failure if he knows the truth".
It is easy for us to sometimes act nice to people, do nice things, and show thanks to God, especially when things are going well and we are comfortable. It is another to continue in joy when things are falling apart, but we that know the truth will act it out. Like Job said, before he had heard of God but the experience that he went through made him see God. We will only truly know God once we go through the wilderness.
Great stuff
CIY