Romans 9:16

So then. The inference drawn from God’s words to Moses is that the bestowal of certain privileges does not depend on man’s will or exertion but on the wisdom of God, who knows what is best and who “silently, patiently” works “out the counsels of His own will” (Ed 173).

Runneth. This denotes strenuous effort. The metaphor, doubtless taken from the foot races, is a favorite one with Paul (1 Cor. 9:24, 26; Gal. 2:2; 5:7; Phil. 2:16).

But of God. God seeks the salvation of all men (1 Tim. 2:4). None need fear that they are outside the pale of salvation. But God in His wisdom chooses the agencies by whom He accomplishes His purposes. If those whom He selects to perform a certain office fail, He chooses others to take their place. Men are admonished to cooperate with Heaven’s plans, and not to run if the Lord has not called them (see Jer. 23:21).