A Little Practice in Faith

Hmmm....when I used to believe, I never realized how circular this reasoning was. If God (the Christian God) causes a tragedy (sickness, death, loss, etc.) then we pray about it, specifically we pray for God to remove that which he has smitten us with. So, TL God sent you lice, then you used various resources (none of which mentioned prayer)to combat the problem. Where does God enter into any of this? Granted, it seems to have brought you and your community together with is great; but again, if God caused this, was it to test you and find out if you were capable of solving your own problems? It certainly seems like you are more than capable.
This post began with TL recounting a series of events that he (she?) interpreted as evidence of God's hand in his life. But this evidence is after the fact; you could just as easily said that you are incredibly lucky and as a result you succeeded in spite of yourself.
What if you are driving along a highway and I call you and say, "You know, I prayed that an 18-wheeler wouldn't run into you today while you were driving home; did it happen?" "No", you reply "Then praise God, he answered my prayer!"
Or did I miss the point by a mile? :-)

"My later posts were to suggest that even those who have been through some pretty awful suffering in this world have not concluded that God must necessarily have been evil towards them, that their temporary suffering worked for their long term good."I can agree in part, but couldn't this line of thinking be used to prove the opposite as well? It really does depend on the 'suffering' involved and the victims perspective and perception, but I find it horrible to suggest that a tragedy can be thought of as "working together for their long term good." I know what you mean, and I am not claiming that this biblical god causes evil (although on the other hand the bible states he does; will provide chapt/verses if requested), but what possible purpose can there be when a child is raped? I know, I am now guilty of arguing from my emotions, but I'm trying to prove a point: I cannot believe in the biblical god because there have been and there are now too many attrocities that have not been vindicated. Perhaps I am just a worm and therefore I am unable to comprehend this 'wisdom' of the biblical god.
Again, if I am missing your last point, I apologize; I am simply trying to learn and understand posistions contrary to mine.

I've not been raped. It sounds horrible. I do know a couple people who have been raped, and they both love God. I do not believe evil occurrences on earth demands or proves that a good God cannot exist.I am glad to know that you haven't been attacked in the above manner, but I was trying to respond to the contention that everything has a purpose/reason to exist/happen. I don't think that anyone would suggest that a rape, murder, robbery or The Hulk movie are part of a loving god's plan; it could be argued that those horrible things happen as a result of sin running rampant, thus we do not ask god for help or protection; but why do the innocent suffer so? I know, this is philosophical but I am interested to know what you think, Truth. I used to believe as you (more or less) and when confronted with these issues, I simply did not have an answer.
I am still looking for one, or at least an opinion.