March 5

Unanswered prayers

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12: 8-9).
“O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt 26:39).

He was a Christian, and he prayed. He asked for strength that he might do greater things, but he was given infirmity that he might do better things. He asked for riches that he might be happy; he was given poverty that he might be wise. He asked for power that he might have the praise of men; he was given weakness that he might feel the need of God. He asked for all things that he might enjoy life; he was given life that he might enjoy all things. He received nothing that he had asked for, yet all that he had hoped for. . . . His prayer is answered; he is indeed the most blessed of men.

I thank Thee, Lord, for my unanswered prayers,
Unanswered save Thy quiet, kindly “Nay”;
Yet it seemed hard among my heavy cares—
That bitter day.

I wanted joy; but Thou didst know for me
That sorrow was the gift I needed most,
And in its mystic depths I learned to see
The Holy Ghost.

I wanted health; but Thou didst bid me sound
The secret treasuries of pain,
And in the moans and groans my heart oft found
Thy Christ again.

I wanted wealth; ’twas not the better part;
There is a wealth with poverty oft given.
And Thou didst teach me of the gold of heart—
Best gift of Heaven.

I thank Thee, Lord, for these unanswered prayers,
And for Thy word, the quiet, kindly “Nay,”
’Twas Thy withholding lightened all my cares
That blessed day.
—Dr. Oliver Huckel.

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