And God Said,"No"

This article appeared in Shepherdessence, the Florida Conference Shepherdess bulletin, Used with permission.

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 is whole, her body is only tempo­rary."

I asked God to grant me patience, and God said, "No." He said that patience is a by-produce of tribulation. It isn't granted, it's earned.

I asked God to give me happiness, and God said, "No." He said that He gives 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 that 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 His only Son who died for me, and T will be in heaven someday because I believe.

I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me, and God said, "Ah, finally you have the idea."