Sometimes being a minister SUCKS!

Today we say goodbye to a colleague, Barry Marshall, who died tragically in a boating accident last week at the age of 37.

And the overwhelming question that I ask of God is ... why?

Why does a man who has dedicated his life to God's service have to be cut down in his prime? Why will two small children - ages 5 and 2 - have to grow up without their daddy? Why is a young wife now a widow? And why is a congregation now without their minister?

In this morning's daily readings, I read the following from Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit". And I know that God's Word is truth, and the promised healing will come to pass. But right now, the questions remain - and they hurt.

There is still SO much about God that I don't understand. And it's moments like these when I hate being a minister. Because at a time when I'm supposed to have answers, all I have is questions.

Oh, God - please be with Barry's family this morning. And please restore our faith in You.