When I was about ten years old I wished I had a baby sister. I already had a brother three years younger than me, but I wanted a baby sister. I guess I really just wanted a live doll. When I told my mom I wanted a baby sister she said to pray. I didn't think much of prayer, but figured it couldn't hurt to pray about it. I began to pray for a baby sister, and for the next six months I prayed for a baby sister.

Then one Sabbath we had a lesson on prayer. The teacher told us we could always ask God for anything, but we needed to ask for His will, and not ours, because He knows what is best for us. She also told us sometimes God says yes, sometimes He says later, and sometimes He says no. I decided I would put all my prayers in His hands, but especially my prayers for a baby sister.

The next time I prayed, my prayer went more like "Help me get a baby sister, or even a baby brother; Your will not mine," instead of "I want a baby sister, could I please get one soon?"

After about a month, my mom and dad told me my mom was pregnant. They were surprised they were going to have a baby, but I guess I wasn't that surprised, because over the months of praying I had developed a relationship with the Lord, and I had faith God would do what was best.

The pregnancy was long, with many complications, including a life-threatening one to the baby. Another complication for me was when we found out it was a boy, but after I had cried a little, I realized God knows what is best for me. And if what I needed was another brother, then he would be welcomed to this world by his big sister.

When Caleb was finally born I totally forgot I wanted a sister. I realized God knew a lot of what was to come, and that I needed a brother, not a sister. Now I am so glad I got a brother, instead of a sister. I wouldn't trade a million sisters for my brother.

Sure, sometimes I wish I had a sister too, but I can always pray about that wish. I know God will take care of me, no matter what, and that He cares. If He doesn't want me to have a sister, I am content knowing God knows it's best I don't have one.

And in a way He answered my prayer by giving me my first girl cousin. One of my favorite verses has become, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Even though sometimes it seems God doesn't listen or care for you, He does. My story is a living testimony to this. If you start praying by telling God His will is what you want, I guarantee that by the time six months are up you will be closer to the Lord.

Gabriella Tenold is a 14-year-old freshman at Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She will receive a $100 scholarship because her submission was selected for publication.