March 11

“Does God always give us what we ask in prayer?” Sometimes His answer is no. He knows what we do not know. He knows everything and His negative answer is part of His plan for our lives.

My life is but a weaving

between my God and me

I do not choose the colors

He worketh steadily

Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow

and I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

and I the underside

Not till the loom is silent

and the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas

and explain the reason why

The dark threads are as needful

in the skillful Weaver’s hand

As the threads of gold and silver

in the pattern He has planned

—Benjamin Malachi Franklin

(The Memphis Commercial Appeal Newspaper in 1950)

I know, 0 Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.

Psalms 119:75

Lord, it is hard to accept a negative answer, but keep us humble enough, patient enough, faithful enough to trust. Thank You that You always answer our prayers in Your way with a yes or a no. How Good it is to know that You never make a mistake.