God created us:
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13 NIV)
He has a plan for us:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:11 NIV)
Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. (Psalm 40:5 NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30 NIV)
He put desires in our heart - and then gives us those desires:
he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. (Psalm 33:15 NIV)
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. (Psalm 20:4 NIV)
Take delight in the Lord , and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 NIV)
This is not the desires of the flesh, but of the spirit:
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18 NIV)
He then rewards us:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21 NIV)
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4 NIV)
What did we do? Nothing! What part did we play?
We choose to be slaves to righteousness:
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:16, 18 NIV)
For this is the free will we have - to choose whom to obey.
We cannot obey ourselves - for that is obeying our flesh - which is wants the opposite of the spirit.
Repent therefore and be refreshed:
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (Acts 3:19 NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)