And for the Faith to accept and understand that it is GOD'S will, not our will, which is to be done. That's really the hardest part, isn't it, HD!
For me, as Kosta well knows because he knows me, it seems that the more successful we become, in the world's terms, the more educated we are, the more our pride keeps us from saying, like Greeks peasants do, "Ο Θεος ειναι!" Its up to God! I've never been even remotely good at that. I know better; I can control things; things will work out the way I want them to!
My whole life has been one continuing example of how I can't control much of anything which is really important beyond my own actions. Not that that stops me from trying to control others and situations around me, let me assure you! The example is there for me to see and yet I still look for MY will to be done. To an extent, as a lawyer, I can control clients and the course of litigation and perhaps that's where the problem lies because those particular skills don't translate so well in non-legal situations. The same applies with educators, doctors, all sorts of professionals, I suppose.
Anyway, I keep telling myself, more than simply at communion time on Sundays, that I am the chief among sinners, +John Chrysostomos' claim to the contrary notwithstanding. I keep hoping that maybe that will break down some of that pride I have so that when I do pray "Thy will be done", I can really mean it.
To tell you the truth, the past few years on FR communicating with virtually all the Christians here has taught me at least a little humility, though nowhere near enough.
To tell you the truth, the past few years on FR communicating with virtually all the Christians here has taught me at least a little humility, though nowhere near enough.
= = =
I suspect we could get a group together to construct a special program just for increasing your humility! LOL.
We must never associate our actions with God's will. That is a sure path to perdition.
Fundamentalists of all creeds say God "talks" to them and "tells" them what to do. So, in their minds they meet God's justice, 'cause God "told" them so.
They do not deny their will; they elevate their fallen will to a divine will and claim they are doing "God's" work.
If you learned any humility in talking to Christians, as you say you did, you didn't learn it from the Reformed, Calvinist rendition of the Lord's Prayer called "MY will be done."
Amen to your beautiful post.
It is difficult to understand why things happen the way they do. I had desires to enter the church that never were fulfilled due to the unexpected illness and death of my father. But in hindsight it turned out for the best because of a different path that God has lead.
We know that everything is done according to precisely how the Father wishes them to be done. God may bless and grant our petitions, but whether He does or doesn't it is according to God's will. More importantly, we know that all things work together for our good. So whatever the answer is to our prayers, it is for our benefit.