About the pushing and pulling in life:

Mark 10:15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (NIV)

Our experiences in life can push us and pull us. Our experiences often push us and pull us away from God rather than toward God. Through our many trials and adversities when we are pushed and pulled, we can learn and grow. Some people learn only bitterness and grow ever darker in their outlook and attitude during adversity. Other people learn and grow toward God in their trials and adversities, even when all reason would call them to turn away from God. If God wanted us to really be holy and godly, God would seemingly always stop the pushing and pulling against us. However, if we are to be God's mature child, we must learn we can grow during any part of our life, especially during our trials and adversities. We must strive every moment to be a victor rather than a victim. God does not always give us specific instructions on how to handle every circumstance. God does not make our decisions for us. Most of all, we must learn when life pushes and pulls us, we can push and pull back, asserting ourselves, and making decisions as a child of God who will not be pushed and pulled by ungodly influences.