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 it 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 you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
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 I will give you life, that you 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.
"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out
and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I
have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:9-10 NKJV
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4 NKJV
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Philippians 2:12 NKJV
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to
His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
I John 5:14-15 NKJV