Cool Phrase on a relative's wall : God doesn't give us what WE can handle... God helps us handle what we are given.

I spent this Christmas visiting my late wife's family in Texas.  One of my late wife's close relatives lost thier middle child (a teenager) about 2 years before my wife passed away and had the plaque on her wall.  It really touched me because as someone who had experienced a loss I know they understood the challenge and the difficulty that is associated with grieving.  It really provided me perspective I needed on Christmas day 2011. It read:

"God doesn't give us what we can handle...

God helps us handle what we are given."

Here is the actual plaque:

I found this very comforting and encouraging. As I sat staring at that on Christmas day I remembered being in that very room two years ago feeding Amelia and just weeping. I was very touched sitting there again two years later and finding much comfort as I read this. Thank you Lord that you are here with us and to handle what we are given in life. It is not about our ability to carry ourselves but about your ability to carry us through what our lot in life is. Thank you that you love us enough to never leave us or forsake us and that you care enough about our small lives to be with us through every peak and valley...

It is so encouraging to me to see now near the summit of healing that truly it was not my strength that got me through these last 2+ years but His strength that carried me day by day.  I know He walked with me every step in my grief journey and will walk with me ahead as I forge out a "undefined" and "unknown" future.  While the uncertainty honestly still makes me a little nervous I am learning more and more that I just need to put my trust in Him.  This is so clearly seen by me in the following verse of scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7 "⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Lord help me to not be anxious about today or tomorrow or beyond that.  Rather help me look to you and pray to you and to be thankful.  Help me to look to you as the answer for what I truly NEED in life regardless of what my flesh may think I need but its really only a want.  Help me to be content in wherever I am and know when I look to you that as my shepherd you will lead me and provide for me.  I know that then, your peace will guard my heart and mind and I will learn to truly live life to its fullest again, simply one little day at a time.

I pray for all those here who are still deep in the pain and darkness of grief.  I pray that you would comfort them and help them to see it is not their strength that will get them through, but simply your grace and strength that will help them handle this difficult journey ahead.  Encourage and comfort them tonight and in the days ahead Lord as you have me.