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Though my trials and tribulations have been NOTHING compared with the trials so much of this world faces, and though my responsibilities are NOTHING compared with the responsibilities borne by so many worldwide, for me they have been far more than I can handle. But I have finally come to see the two greatest blessings in all of this.
First, my trials, tribulations, and responsibilities have created an indescribable opportunity to seek and develop a breathtakingly beautiful relationship with the Lord. Second, the Lord has NEVER given me more than I can handle by His love, by His grace, with His mercy, in His strength, with His provision, according to His directions, with His Word in my heart and hand, with His forgiveness, with His blessings, and for His glory. I do not agree with those who say God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. I believe He gives us more than we can handle so He can be glorified as we learn to live our lives in Him, through Him, and for Him.
As much as I still have such a phenomenally long way to go in terms of learning to be loving, joyful, patient, and grateful rather than unloving, negative, and complaining when I feel totally overloaded and overwhelmed by my trials, tribulations, and responsibilities, I know I have come far enough along to realize that when God gives us more than we can handle, we have an amazing opportunity to stop trying to living in our own flesh and to live our lives according to the ways of the Lord. Loving Him. Trusting Him. Serving Him. Obeying Him. Following His lead. In His love. For the glory of the Lord!
2Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
2Co 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.