I Asked God: A Poem by Claudia Minden Weisz

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

Anonymous

2 responses to “I Asked God: A Poem by Claudia Minden Weisz”

larry lovestein

2026-10-13

if i am to suffer on my own what is the point of God? so, God forsakes us for the reason of “character development”? god is an absentee landlord.

I asked god to end my suffering.. he said “Piss off and suffer because your suffering will make you better’ gee thanks.

Fred Yde

2026-10-26

I think you’re missing the point. You gotta meet God halfway, or at least part of the way to solve your problems. We tend to expect God to grant us “things” through prayer instead of strength and character.

Curious Christian