This last week a friend sent me this poem which I believe ties in very well to the message from last week. Sometimes God gives us a “no” when we want a “yes” from him. It can be discouraging, hurtful, or even shaming. But God’s plans are always bigger than ours. I hope this blesses you.

I Asked God
A poem 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 it 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 already is,
While her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said, “No.”
He said patience is a by-product of tribulation;
It isn’t granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said, “No.”
He said “I give blessings;
Happiness is up to you.”

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 God if He loved me,
And God said, “Yes.”
He gave me His only Son, who died for me.
And I will be in heaven someday.

I asked God to help me love others
As much as He loves me,
And God said,
“Ah, finally, you have the idea.”