When God said “No”.

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, but God said No.
He said her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary.

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

I asked God to give me happiness, but God said, No.
He said He gives me blessings; happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare my pain, but God said No.
He said suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and  brings me closer to Him.

I asked God to make my spirit grow, but God said No.
He said I must grow on my own, but He will prune me to make me more fruitful.

I asked God if He loves me and He said, “Yes!!!”
He said He gave his only Son who died on the cross for me and I will be in Heaven with Him someday because I believe.

I  asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me.
And God said, “Ahhhh, finally, you’re catching on. You have the idea.”