I asked God to take away my pride, and God told me no. He said that pride is not taken away, it is renounced. I asked God to give me patience, and God said no. He said that patience is the result of trials – it is not given, but earned. I asked God to give me happiness, and God said no. He said that He gives blessings, and whether I am happy or not depends on me. I asked God to protect me from pain, and God said no. He said that suffering turns a person away from worldly concerns and brings them to Him. I asked God to teach me to love all people as He loves me. “Finally,” said the Lord, “you have understood what you need to ask. I asked for strength, and God sent me trials to harden me. I asked for wisdom, and God sent me problems to puzzle over. I asked for courage, and God sent me dangers. I asked for love, and God sent me the unfortunate who need my help. I asked for blessings, and God gave me opportunities. I did not get anything I wanted – I got everything I NEEDED! God heard my prayers.
