9 Answers

I have thought a lot on this subject commonman, I think that many of our rewards will be in heaven and not down here on Earth. So one often wonders if I am doing what is right, why does it seem like nothing good ever happens to me? God rewards us in many ways, not always what we expect though.

Sometimes when I was off the path... it seemed like God was still blessing me, when I felt like I really didn't deserve His favor things went my way. Other times when I was making all the good and right decisions in my life, things were extremely difficult. We can't put God in a box and try to understand why He does, what He does, when He does.

But our faith might just being tested. Do you love God when times are difficult and when time are good. Sometimes when circumstances are at their worst, the good times are just around the corner!
Don't let it get you down, trust in the Lord and He will never leave you or forsake you. Hope things go better for you!

No, I don't think I'm being punished when times are difficult. My life isn't what I hoped, but the blessings are so much more than I deserve.

I never doubt God's presence in my life, but I know MY presence in His Word is seriously lacking. 

Neither. He's simply an imaginary friend to a billion followers. Quite an impressive following, though. 

Ducky

He must be nice. Have you met him? :)

Change your attitude and you'll change your life. Everybody gets sh---  on,but when that happens,ask Jesus ,or God to help you , and He will

Jesus is my Brother in Christ the Lord (esoteric meaning: Love is the Law). Struggle toward it day and night and you shall be satisfied in His presence who is Love.

God gave us "free will". Could maybe something you do or the way you act or even your attitude might have something to do with your hard times? I am only guessing b/c I do not know you or your exact situation. Perhaps letting Jesus more into your heart is what will change things in your life for the better.It can not hurt to try. I wish you the best and remember every dog has its day and yours too will come.

Commonman, I am a Christian and I know exactly what you are saying. It's not that Jesus is punishing us but rather we are living in a fallen sinful world and living among sinful people, this includes our own loved ones and brothers and sisters in Christ and ourselves as well. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people, following Jesus does not change this principle of life here on fallen earth. What Jesus will do is see His children through unto eternal life where there will be no more sorrows and pain. He made many promisses to us, one of which states that He will not give us more burden than we can bear. We simply do want any burden, who does? We have to accept what we cannot change and trust Jesus will fix it all, if not in this life, certainly in the new Jerusalem.

Shakespeare "Much ado about nothing" To answer your question commonman, everybody has s**t piled on them and it has nothing to do with some supreme being it is put simply "S**t happens". All any of us can do is try to weather the storm, seek help from mere mortals not some unseen entity. Never forget, it is the hard times that mould our character and it is what makes us a worthwhile person. If you were a strongly religious person s**t would still happen but you would salve your own misdoings with "Jesus loves me" Someone much wiser than any on this site once said "THIS TOO SHALL PASS" so the next time you are in the s**t remember that. Here is a story to lift you up. A sparrow waited too long to fly south and his wings froze. He fell to the ground and was about to die when a cow s**t on him and thawed him out. He was so happy he started to sing, a fox heard him and came and ate the sparrow. Moral :always be on time,The one that s**t on you is not necessarily your enemy and when you get out of the s**t keep your mouth shut.