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Graham Pockett wrote: I asked God to take away my pride. God said “No.” He said it was not for him to take away; it was for me to give up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said “No.” Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. And God said “No.” He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn’t granted, it is 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. God said “No.” He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, “No.” He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me more fruitful. I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said “No.” He said He will give me life, that I might enjoy all things. I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me. God said, “Ah, finally you have the idea.” Graham Pockett captures a little of why Jesus waited two days before going to see his sick friend. We read in John chapter 11 that Jesus told His disciples Lazarus’ sickness was to glorify God. When we realize that all our life experiences are to glorify God, we hesitate to pout when God delays His answer or does not act as we wish.
