Thinking About Why God Says "NO"

I've been thinking about this old poem, "And God said, No". It has brought thoughts to my mind about all the time I have spent ill and in bed. At first, I wondered why my pleas to be made well were not answered. As I've grown older, I have seen how my struggles have strengthened my character, helped me gain confidence in my abilities, deepened my relationship with my husband, and built a strong faith in God. Would I trade my hard earned lessons for a life of ease?

Knowing that you can't learn compassion and patience without pain, I would not trade my life. I don't think that I would like the person I would be without going through the difficult experiences. Yes, I am glad God loves me enough to tell me, "No". 

And God Said No

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 away, 

But for me to give up.

I asked God to grant me patience, 

and God said, “No.”

He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation, 

It isn’t granted, it’s earned.

I asked God to give me happiness,

And God said, “No.”

He said 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 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 because of his gift of faith in me.

I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me,

And God said, “Ah, finally, you have the idea.”

photo
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/images/meme-patience-1474592?lang=eng