I've heard many times that God gave people free will and I don't disagree. This isn't to say that He exerts His will over ours. We can still decide, no matter what He does to us, to disobey but there are multiple examples in the bible (and in life) where God has made people change their direction.
Moses had no desire to be the one to lead the people out of Egypt. He argued with God.
Jeremiah wanted to have a family and not be a prophet.
Isaiah, same thing.
Jonah was supposed to go to Nineveh but he tried to escape by going the opposite way. God had plans for him.
Saul was killing Christians as fast as he could but God stopped him on Damascus road, changed him into Paul.
I think most people think that God will not interfere if a person's "will" is counter to what He wants.
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:30-31
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence. Psalm 91:1-3
This isn't scripture, at least not directly, we are warned repeatedly to avoid the worlds snares and traps. We are cautioned that the evil one plans for our failure and choosing the opposite of what God has in mind for us. We are also warned not to listen to those who will speak words that sound sweet to our ears. If what is told to us doesn't stand up to scripture, we are told to flee. God is the only one who really cares, without any devious nature or planning to cause us to fail. God should be our only stronghold we flee to. God should be the only word we trust. Happiness is found with God. Happiness is not found in anything material and not in any person. God does want us to be happy but we can easily mistake something else, not of God, as a source of happiness. It is only later we find out it was a false happiness since it isn't lasting like what we have in Him. Please show caution in listening to false instruction.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,And Your right hand will save me." Psalm 138:7
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies...In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears...He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. Psalm 18:1-3,6,16-18
Me:49 H:45 D:12 M:14 T:18 Bomb: 6/26/10 EA: 9/3/10, fizzled out slowly, now ??? 11/5/11 Retrouvaille Finally piecing.... Its peaceful at last, but we got a looong way to go
Another one, which addresses one of my faults, which is the lack of patience:
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9
Me:49 H:45 D:12 M:14 T:18 Bomb: 6/26/10 EA: 9/3/10, fizzled out slowly, now ??? 11/5/11 Retrouvaille Finally piecing.... Its peaceful at last, but we got a looong way to go
