I Asked God…

The year that I taught high school in Jamaica, I attended a PTA meeting where a young student recited a testimony. I don’t know who originally wrote it—I’ve seen it in other places since—but when I heard it in that setting, amidst great poverty, it moved me profoundly. She said:

“I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn to humbly obey.
I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of others. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for—but everything I had hoped for… Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I, among all people, am most richly blessed.”

Now, I don’t believe that God gives poverty. But I was moved by this young woman’s faith. Many of my students came to school hungry. Many lived in homes with dirt floors and no running water. Yet, despite that reality, this young girl could still claim that she, among all people, was most richly blessed.

Let us pray: Loving God, we recognize that you don’t always answer our prayers when and how we’d like. But we thank you that, in spite of that, it is still possible to live a joyful, blessed life. We also thank you for the witness of others who remind us that even amidst life’s hardships, you are good. Today, help us celebrate our blessings. And show us again how to use them to bless others. Amen.