Not sure where you got that idea, but my beliefs are firmly in place. I have no problem with believing that God allows and even orders hardship in the life of his children in order to increase faith and prune the unwanted parts of their character. I also believe that he answers personal prayer. So what Jim sees as a string of fortunate circumstances, I see as answers to specific prayer.

Both are perfectly logical conclusions when put within the construct of their differing worldviews, however silly mine sounds to him.