I ASKED GOD
I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak to humbly obey.
I asked for heath that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
( Author unknown )
And God Said No
by Claudia Minden Weisz
I asked God to take away my pride. And God said “No”.
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said “No”.
He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. And God said “No”.
He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn’t granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. And God said “No”.
He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain. And God said “No”.
He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said “No”.
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said “No”.
He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
And God said “Ah, finally you have the idea!”