The Grace of God in times of Suffering

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 ESV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

So far I have heard from several people who I see from time to time about the loss of their loved ones. It has been a time of thinking about death and the difference between the death of believers and the death of the lost. They have chosen this life above Christ. In the end this life is nothing compared to surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. Someone mentioned that verse actually yesterday that "To live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul wanted to depart already to be with Jesus. If one sees Christ as precious how would they act? Would they set their minds on what this world has to offer or would they seek an inheritance that is imperishable saved in heaven for us. The loss of a loved one is hard yet if they know Christ and you do as well we may see them again. If they are lost and did not know Jesus that sorrow is so deep. They are lost forever.

Thoughts

My sister yesterday asked me what kind of man I wanted. How do I answer that? Janette Ikz said it best when she name characteristics of godly men in the bible yet the most important way he was godly was in how he reflected the love of Christ.

The reality of God is that He is just He justifies a redeemed sinner by having His own Son pay for our sin. In this redemption God seals us with the Holy Spirit who by producing fruit in the individual reveal that they have been adopted.
I had for a long time been preoccupied with marriage and not being thankful for the gift of singleness. In the end what I have learn it that when I feel lonely is that I have been depriving myself of the fellowship with the body. The problem is that I am naturally a very private person and don't like vulnerability. I have a thick armor and sincerely do not want to let people close enough so that they have the ability to hurt me. Yet when I was able to share where I am and the emotions that go with it, it kills the power that it holds over you when you keep it quiet.
The Christian walk is a journey and is shared with the body one congregates with. This is best when one is surrounded by those that encourage others to deny themselves take up their cross and follow Him.
There is so much to grow in but I hope in looking at Christ all the fear, the problems, my sorrow will be redeemed for His purposes.