Prospering in the Land: Communal vs. Individual

The Book of Mormon mentions repeatedly that we will "prosper in the land" if we are obedient to the commandments of God.  Many members interpret that to mean that each person who keeps the commandments diligently will be blessed with material prosperity - or, at the very least, that such a person will not suffer financially and will always be able to provide adequately for him/herself and family.  

I don't see the promise that way.  

Crap happens in a world directed by human agency, and many things are outside individual control.  Also, as it says in the Gospels, the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust.

I believe in the principle of prospering in the land by keeping the commandments - at the communal level; I do not believe in it at the individual level.

Life has taught me that - clearly and undeniably.