“…though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6, NIV).

I tried to avoid this story, as it seemed I was invading a space for broken hearts where I did not belong, but I could not ignore its significance and need for reflection. On July 4, during early morning hours, a flash flood filled the Guadalupe River, causing it to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes, sweeping away hundreds of people from their tents, cabins and RVs. Many were rescued, but thus far, 129 have been found dead with 173 still missing. At Camp Mystic, a summer camp for Christian girls, at least 27 counselors and children lost their lives, some with incredible heroism.

I won’t try to answer the “why?” of this tragedy, leaving that in the sacred space between God and those who suffer, offering only a word of caution taught me by many Christian cancer patients and spoken by John Stonestreet: “You can never understand the story from the moment. You can only understand the moment from the story.” Nor will I attempt to offer words of comfort for those whose pain I cannot possibly understand. Others who love them will do so.

So, not speaking directly to those who have lost so much in the flood, I will use their tragedy as a truth of life to ask the question, “How do we as followers of Christ live in a world that often hurts so badly?” Based on my own experience, the stories of others and God’s Word through Peter and Paul, I think the following is incomplete but true:

1. Recognize the tragedy and pain of those who suffer. Pray for them, comfort them and support them sacrificially.
2. Trust God that this is not the plan He desires for His creation and not the way His creation will end—Christ is Lord. He died for us. He is coming again and will renew all things (Philippians 3:20-21).
3. Focus on Peter’s instruction to the persecuted in 2 Peter 3:11-15:
   1. Set our sights (and hope) on a new heaven and a new earth (verse 13).
   2. Make every effort to be spotless, blameless and at peace with God (verse 14).
   3. Use our time, both in and out of suffering, to glorify Him and bring others to salvation (verse 15).
4. Let God mold you during the hard times (2 Peter 1:5-8).
5. Remember Paul’s words to the Philippians as he waited in jail for his execution:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).

6. Cling to our Savior’s promise: “And surely, I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20b, NIV).

Dear Father,

Please be with those who have lost so much. Fill their emptiness with your presence—for their peace and for your glory.

Amen