A dog walker yesterday used the phrase "it's all sent to try us". We were already communicating at shouting distance rather than in close proximity, so rather than open a theological debate I nodded and moved on. But it's not what I believe. As often is the case, I feel I'm swimming against the tide of thought - he's not the first person I've talked with the week to hold the view that God deliberately inflicts suffering onto us for a purpose that will one day become clear. The book "Hinds feet in high places" which I've nearly finished, whilst inspiring, is based on that premis and it's just not how I see my faith journey, though can understand how that can help people get through times that otherwise make no sense. My own view of God is not one who purposefully sends challenges to check we respond with faith, but a God who stays alongside us when the going inevitably gets tough.
Yesterday lots of people were very kind to me as they could see I was struggling. We are not on our own and that I think is such a powerful message when we are finding life hard. I guess if people feel they are being tried and want to come out the other side stronger, then that can spur people on when they otherwise might give up. Both this and my perspective rely on a cheerleader God who believes we can come through. so maybe it doesn't matter if we think it's a deliberate test or not. Either way I guess we just keep listening for the cheering.
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