Hey Pschomom,
Yes, I do struggle with it.
Because when you read the entire bible, there are numerous verses that would seem to suggest a choice. And yet, the author of this thread would ignore all of those, and suppose that his interpretation of one verse would supercede all of those.
The bible also suggests, again in many places, that the cause of evil and suffering in the world is sin. Does God will us to sin? And then, after He wills us to sin, He requires that we repent of that sin?
It is also clear that the reason that anyone will go to hell is because they lack righteousness. Righteousness is lacking because we have broken the Law. And since EVERYONE has broken the Law, no one is good, except God. Therefore, we are required to have the righteousness of Jesus Christ to cover our sins so that we can enter the kingdom of God. Is it really so easy to conclude that Jesus only died for the elect? For if Jesus died for All people, and certainly the language in John which says that Jesus came to save the world (everyone) seems to include everyone. And if Jesus did indeed die for everyone, then everyone should be saved, UNLESS, there is some kind of requirement, (choice, or repentence) involved.
Furthermore, are we to believe that our prayers for the lost are useless and of no effect? Should I pray for a friend's salvation if that salvation, or lack thereof, has already been determined? If God is making his election before the beginning of time, is He not considering any free choices in the future, INCLUDING the prayers of saints appealing for lost souls? Should we not pray for someone's salvation because someone in this site will surely see that as a "work"? Should I have in my heart this zeal to go out and evangelize, as commanded by Jesus, if my efforts are useless?
Yes, I do find it a difficult concept. And so did many great men and women throughout the centuries who were not in their spiritual youth.
And yet, there are many in this site, who with one sentence, or one verse, can explain everything!