a friend recently said that she feels jealous of people whom God puts through great difficulty because it means he loves and is at work in their life. though it sounded a bit absurd, with a little more reflection and a total change of heart, i agree.

God doesn't get to be off the hook in terms of hardship we undergo. He IS responsible, He DOES permit satan to even oppress those he loves, but with a purpose, with a greater promise in store. I can't believe I believe this now, after feeling abandoned by him for so long.