How Does God Deal With Us?

Ouch! I got spanked by Rhonda today.

We hear some pastors tell us that God puts a curse on us and our descendents when we act outside His will for our lives. Others say that God is loving and gentle and never holds a grudge. Some say these trials we face are battles with demons and the reason we have come up against the adversity is because our armor isn’t strong enough and we should read the Bible more, pray more, fast more … Yet, others will say that the adversity we face is just a test from God, that makes us stronger in our walk with Him.

So, should I believe because I’m not feeling well, my renters bailed on me, my savings account is dry, work is piling up and my latest run was FAR from perfect that I’ve somehow failed in my Christian walk? Don’t get me wrong … I know I’m failing. I’m always failing in my relationship with the Almighty. Should I believe that these little trying and stressful days of kids pulling on my pant leg non-stop, scale tipping right, car maintenance costs and sore throat are sculpting me into a better person? Or is it all just coincidence?

But, I’m feeling okay about life. There’s always a flip side.