I Asked God

Did you hear about that powerful video message from Academy Award winning actor Anthony Hopkins that's been making the rounds? It's called "I Asked God," and it packs a serious punch. When I watched it, I felt like I was getting a wake-up call about life's challenges and what they really mean. If you haven't seen it, let me break it down for you. 

Here's the message:

“I asked God to take my habit away, He said no. It’s not for me to take it away, it’s for you to give it up. 

I asked God to grant me patience. God said no. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations. It isn’t granted. It is earned. 

I asked God to grant 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. He said no, you grow on your own.  But I will prune you to make you fruitful. 

I asked for all things that I might enjoy in life. God said no. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things. 

Then I asked God to help me love others as much as God Loves me. He said, finally, you get the idea.” 

At first, it's easy to think God is shutting us down, saying, "Nope, not happening." But it's not rejection; it's redirection. Think about it—what if we asked God for strength, and instead of giving us the easy path, He laid more obstacles in our way? It can seem harsh, but maybe it's because He wants us to build strength, not just use it. It's like asking to become a great pianist without ever touching a keyboard—how's that going to work?

Take patience. Everyone wants it, but nobody wants to earn it, right? But patience isn't a handout; it's something we develop through trials and setbacks. Think about the last time you were stuck in traffic or waiting for a business deal to close. Did you feel patient? Probably not. But those moments are where we learn the most.

Happiness? That’s a tricky one. You'd think it’s about getting what you want, but God says, "I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you." It’s a reminder that happiness isn't something you find; it's something you create. It’s a choice, like deciding to smile even when you're in a bad mood. It's choosing to count your blessings even when things aren't going your way.

And then there's suffering. Nobody wants to suffer, but it's where we grow the most. God says suffering draws us apart from worldly cares and brings us closer to Him. It's like a reset button for our spirits. Yeah, it hurts, but it strips away all the distractions and leaves us with what really matters.

The most beautiful part, though, is when we ask God to help us love others the way He loves us, and He says, "Finally, you get it." It’s that moment when everything makes sense. It's not about what we get from God; it's about what we give to others. It’s about relationships, community, charity, and lifting each other up.

So, what does this mean for us entrepreneurs, business leaders, parents, and faith-centered folks? It means our journey is our lesson. It means every struggle, every setback, every heartbreak is shaping us into better, stronger, and more compassionate people. It means that when God says no, He’s really saying, "Trust me, I’ve got a plan, and it’s better than you could imagine."

Let's embrace the journey, with all its bumps and turns. Let's keep pushing, striving, and growing. Because when we look back, we'll realize it was all worth it.

Take care, and remember to keep your heart open to God's plan. It might not be what you expected, but it’s always what you need.

Your Friend,

Brock 

P.S. If you haven't seen it yet, watch Anthony Hopkins' powerful "I Asked God" video HERE It's truly inspiring!

P.S.S. Father's Day is coming up. We know Dads are hard to shop for… He often won’t tell you what he wants. Good thing we know it’s time with his family and some amazing chocolate. 😊

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