Why does it have to be so hard?

A friend was preaching on Job

Perhaps, she suggested

"it takes a tough moment to see God. 
It is not as if God is more or less present, 
but perhaps we are less present in the good times.

Shortly afterward I was reading Richard Rohr
and heard him talk about "necessary suffering"
and about how it was always those on "the bottom'

those who were persecuted
oppressed
put down
how had the best feel for God

It seems that those with power
those with affluence
those who are "in" the inner circle
religiously speaking
are at a disadvantage
spiritually speaking

It is something to think about
no wonder those of us who are so comfortable
have a hard time getting such statements as

happy are the poor
happy are those who mourn
have are the persecuted

no wonder we have trouble
letting go of what we have
to go with God
we have so much

no wonder we suggest 
that it is all a matter of merit
and accomplishment
power and abundance

 

The paradox is that we often grow the most

in times of struggle and adversity

in times of loss

 

but why

does it have to be so hard  ?