I Asked God, Day 2

I asked God to grant me patience

And God said "No".

He said patience is a by-product of tribulation.

It isn't granted; it's earned.

I Asked God

Thoughts on Prayer 

Photo by jacco de boer

Thumbing through my file cabinet the other day I found a poem about prayer from God's perspective.

"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."

It gave me pause. It's harder for me to give something up than having someone take it away because giving it up means I have to change my attitude about what matters to me.

What do think?   Is there something you have a hard time relinquishing to God?

Drawing Us Back

                                                                                                                                                                                           

We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us because Christ has poured out His love to us through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:3-5

In an instant I was dependent for everything. I was accustomed to being independent and working full-time. Work was intense, so I devoted all my time and energy to it. As a result, I put my relationship with God on the back burner, turning to Him only when I needed something.

Until everything changed.

I had a stroke. I’d always been self-sufficient and it was a real struggle to suddenly need help for 

everything. Dependence, in my eyes, was a weakness and I couldn’t accept this as my reality.

“Why did you let this happen, God?” I cried.

It took time, but I realized sometimes God allows problems and setbacks in our lives for reasons we don’t understand. For me, it was a physical battle. I needed to learn my weakness was in the failure to depend on Christ…my stubbornness to manage alone.

I could question God, ask why He would let this happen, or I could trust Him to do what’s best for me—even when I couldn’t see the purpose. Grappling with why He’d allowed this, yet trusting in His promise to never leave or forsake me was critical to maintain spiritual strength in the midst of life’s trials. He kept His promise and never left me.

These days I pray more, nurturing my relationship with Him. And, though it takes me time to surrender to His ways, His will, and His timing, the process brings me closer to Him. Even if the circumstances don’t change, I do. I relax as His peace enters my life.

Sometimes His purpose is simply to draw me back to Him.

If you’re facing trouble or hardship, call out to Him. He’ll be there.

Challenging Our Perspective About God and Life

Yesterday I found a bookmark. What I read on it made me think. The author isn't listed so I'm not sure who to credit, but I think it may give you pause too.

I Asked God

I asked God for strength, 

that I  might achieve.

I was made weak, 

that I might learn to obey.

I asked God for health,

that I might do great things.

I was given infirmity,

that I might do better things.

I asked God for riches,

that I might be happy.

I was given poverty, 

that I might be wise.

I asked God for power,

that I might have approval.

I was given weakness,

that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things,

that I might enjoy life.

I was given life,

that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked God for,

but everything I hoped for.

I am among all people,

most richly blessed.

What  do you think of these words?  How does this strike you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Don't forget to join the conversation.