What is God doing when life hurts?

Last week Graham and Alison Mackay shared some major and exciting news with us. In October they are moving to Tanzania to take up a position as head of Humanities at St John's University. This is a missionary role. One for which Graham and Alison are magnificently equipped. It is astounding how life prepares us for what God has in store.  Graham and Alison's life will be getting absurdly busy. They have to deal with property, honour family commitments, spend some time in training and accountability processes in Melbourne, secure visas and residential permits, book passage and say goodbye to those who love and appreciate them. In this public forum I would like to express my gratitude to them and for them as they prepare to depart. In Graham and Alison I experience grace and wisdom, they speak truly but lovingly, they affirm and support others and  enthuse about what God is doing. Though they suffer they persevere in faith, steady and steadfast, reliable and trustworthy, lovers of God and people. Graham and Alison bear the hallmarks of what the bible calls "sanctification". This is the process where life's journey, submitted to God, takes it's toll but instead of destroying us it deepens us, strengthens  us and purifies us. Their faith lives beyond fads, quick fixes or present fears. The Mackays have seen grief, disappointment, uncertainty and illness but have emerged confident in God and better for it. How can that be? That's what I want to reflect on this morning. What is God doing when life hurts? Before two wise souls head off on their next adventure there will be two opportunities to share with them.Graham will be sharing at the Mens Group on 26th September so please use that opportunity. There will be a farewell gathering for Graham and Alison after church on Sunday 25th September. Please put that in your diary. Regards Malcolm