July 6, 2025

When catastrophe hits

As I watch and read the news about the Texas catastrophic floods that have killed over 60 people with many little girls still missing, my heart breaks.  There is nothing more painful than the death of a child, and there are so many!

If you know anyone touched by this tragedy, reach out, and pray for them. For the rest of us, lets continue to pray that the missing children will be found, believing that we can still see some miracles.  Let's also pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort those that are mourning.  "And I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" John 14:16.  Pray for wisdom and Holy Spirit guidance for the rescuers.

The Bible offers guidance for facing catastrophes through faith, resilience, and practical steps rooted in trust in God. 

1.  Turn to God in Prayer: In times of crisis, seek God for strength and comfort. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.” Examples like David in Psalm 18:6 show crying out to God in distress brings deliverance.

2.  Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Scripture emphasizes God’s control even in chaos. Job, after losing everything, declared, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Romans 8:28 assures that “all things work together for good to those who love God.”, although this is hard to imagine in the midst of the storm, it is still His promise.

3.  Seek Community Support: The Bible encourages believers to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). When catastrophe strikes, lean on fellow believers for practical help and emotional support, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where early Christians shared resources during hardship.

4.  Hold Fast to Hope: Catastrophes can shake faith, but scripture urges perseverance. Psalm 46:1-2 describes God as “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” urging us not to fear even when “the earth be removed.” Hebrews 10:23 encourages holding fast to hope without wavering.

5.  Take Practical Action: Faith pairs with action. Nehemiah, facing Jerusalem’s ruin, prayed and then rebuilt the walls (Nehemiah 2:17-18). Assess the situation, seek wisdom (James 1:5), and take steps to address immediate needs, like securing safety or aiding others.

6.  Find Comfort in God’s Promises: Reflect on promises like Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.” These assure God’s presence and support.

Examples from scripture, like Noah enduring the flood (Genesis 7) or Paul surviving shipwreck (Acts 27), show reliance on God’s guidance through calamity. While each catastrophe is unique, God's principles provide us a framework for response.

"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." John 16:22