Blessing in "No"

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I asked God to take away my pride.
God said "No".
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said "No".
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said "No".
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said "No".
I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said "No".
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said "No".
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said "No".
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
God said...

Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!

What if...

God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?

we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?

God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?

God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

God met our needs the way we give Him our lives??

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~ graphic credits ~
Mary's Little Lamb
Kat's Country Graphics