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 make my handicapped child whole.  God said, “No.”  He said her spirit was whole; her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.  God said, “No.”  He said patience is a by-product of tribulations.  It isn’t granted; it is earned.