Idolatry, Contentment, and making bargains with God

Life has not been too easy lately.  I've had a big flare with Ulcerative Colitis, which I needed to go to the ER a couple of times for.  The ER visits and other medical costs put a strain on our finances beyond what we could easily adjust for.  It's been challenging to trust that God is in control, and has a plan for all of this.  Over the last year my faith has been stretched continually.  I say to myself, I trust God to take care of us, and provide for us.  Then our situation becomes challenging, and I struggle to keep that faith.

I keep discovering that my theology that I live by is primarily a prosperity theology, that God will bless us with health and wealth.  But, this last year, I've been learning to worship God, and to be content in all circumstances.  Just because I'm in pain and suffering doesn't mean it's time to stop worshiping God.  Just because we can't pay all our bills doesn't mean it's time to stop worshiping God.  So, I've definitely realized that health and wealth are idols in my life, since when I don't have those I'm tempted to give up my faith, or at least stop walking closely with God.  So, I'm learning to stay close to Jesus through good times an bad, and draw close to him, instead of being distant and becoming bitter about my situation.

I'm grateful for my in-laws, who have had their share of challenges in their life, yet still have strong faith in God, and wonderful positive attitudes in their daily life.  I'm also grateful for the book of Job, as an example of someone who's life fell apart, yet he still maintained his relationship with God.  A verse that I've repeated to myself several times this year through all the hardship has been Job 2:10 when Job asks "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  It's been a stretch to wrap my mind around this idea, and let go of the false ideas of God only blessing through material and earthly ways.  It's been a hard season, but I am grateful for how God is teaching me, and refining my faith in him.

What's your threshold, friend?  At what point would you be tempted to give up on walking with God, and think that he might not be going to take care of you the way that you want?  I hope that you'll stick close to Jesus, and trust him to carry you through, even if it's not what you expected, or anything like what you would have wanted for your life.  He can still use it, and bring fruit from that trial.