Day Twenty (of 31 Days)

Have you ever gotten ugly before God? I mean, full exposure, make-up-smudging, hair-matted, on your face kind of pleading? The pleading for healing, for change, for forgiveness? The broken and contrite ugliness that's so lovely to Him? It's in that ugliness He can work in us to make us beautiful. I love the email forward I received from my mom today. It explains how we are a large part of the action that's required for the change we desire.

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 LOVE others, as much as He loves me...
God said... Ahhhh,
finally you have the idea..

Author Unknown