"God Said No"
 

I asked God to take away my habit. 
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. 
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary. 

I asked God to grant me patience. 
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; 
It isn't granted, it is learned. 

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 asked God to help me to love others, as much as He loves me. 
God said Ahhhh, finally you have the idea. 

Author Unkown
Devotion provided by Francine Spatafora