Where is God in tragedy?
The following devotion is reprinted from Texas Floods: Where Is God in Tragedy? by Ken Ham on July 7, 2025
Across America, and in other places throughout the world, Texas is on people’s minds as they think of the terrible tragedy that occurred this past weekend from flash flooding in several Texas counties that has killed over 80 people so far, with many being young girls who were at a Christian camp.
Scripture tells us to share one another’s burdens, doing all we can to help such people.
We all try to put ourselves in the position of the parents or grandparents who lost a young daughter or granddaughter in this devastating flood. We just can’t imagine the grief from such a catastrophic loss. Scripture tells us to share one another’s burdens, doing all we can to help such people. And there are many such ways we can help materially and spiritually.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
I was watching a news program about this, and the reporters were saying people are asking, “Why would this happen?” and “Where is God in such a tragedy?”
Christians know that we live in a fallen world because of our sin. We understand that death is the penalty for sin, and all humans are under the judgment of death. We know that those who put their trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation will live forever with our Creator in a place where there will be no more death, no more tears.
But knowing all this still doesn’t take away the awful grief and what those who lost loved ones have to go through. And even when we know God is in total control, and as Christians we know we will see our loved ones again, during this life, we never get over what happened, even when we come to grips with it all.
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The words of Job (who suffered terrible loss and tragedy) echo in my head when I hear of such tragedies like the one in Texas, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him” (Job 13:15). I know it’s easy to say, but we are only human and still cry out, “why Lord?” And it’s ok to do that as we grieve and plead with the Lord for answers and help.
In a fallen world, all things are certainly not good.
In times of tragedy, Christians often quote Romans, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). And this is true, but note it doesn’t say all things are good! In a fallen world, all things are certainly not good. But nonetheless, God is in control and uses all things for his purposes, as difficult as that is for us to understand. And certainly, for those going through such grief, it seems almost impossible that tragedies such as the loss of those young girls could be used for good.
But let’s stand back and look at all this from a big-picture perspective to see what God may be teaching us.
First, it’s a reminder of how horrible death is and the terrible separation one feels when a loved one dies. This should remind us of the terrible separation that occurred between us and our God because of our sin in Adam (Genesis 3).
But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God. (Isaiah 59:2)
A reminder that we need to be reconciled to our God through Jesus Christ, our Savior:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17–19)
Secondly, it’s a reminder that no one is immune to death. The Bible makes that clear:
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
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But I also want us to look at this from an even bigger perspective. There are thousands of children who die each year in America from accidents, diseases, congenital malformations, and so on. There are people grieving every day of every year over the loss of loved ones. There are millions of children who die each year in the world. Oh, how horrible is our sin! “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24).
We can’t escape the fact that this world groans every day because of our sin:
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:22)
Yes, a tragedy like the one in Texas gets news headlines and brings to people’s minds the reality of death and a reminder of our own mortality and that life is short. That’s why it’s so important for people to hear and respond to the saving gospel message so they can know they will spend eternity with God and not be separated from him for eternity:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
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We grieve for the families in Texas who lost loved ones. We grieve for families who lose loved ones every day of the year. We grieve over the state of this world and what our sin (yes, our sin—we sinned in Adam—we are all responsible) has done!
No doubt God will use this horrible tragedy for good. Certainly, it will remind people to think about their own mortality and eternity. No doubt we will hear of wonderful testimonies of how God’s people helped each other. I do not doubt that God will use all this to bring people to salvation. Yes, as Job came to recognize, we have to get to the point of letting God be God. Yes, it’s hard! Yes, we will struggle. Yes, we will grieve. Yes, we will question. But in the end, we pour out our hearts to God and trust him and recognize who he is as Job did:
I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. “Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.” I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:2–6)
And then we claim what God promised in his Word:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken
Spread your challenges before the Lord!
The stories continue.
Stories of survival and tragedy.
Stories of heartbreak and joy.
Stories of heroism and great loss.
The floods of this past weekend will forever be engrained in the hearts and minds of central Texans…especially all who have lost a child, a spouse, a family, a relative, a friend. The events will never be forgotten and July 4th will have a very different meaning for these families moving forward.
I have found myself following the news, praying for more survivors to be found, and agonizing at the grief many are feeling. Hundreds of volunteers are exploring the riverbanks looking for any signs of life or the missing remains of souls now departed.
To be sure, the question of “Why?” continues. (See yesterday’s devotion). But maybe today’s question is to ask, “What do I do?”
Yesterday morning I was reading Isaiah 37 in my personal devotions. The situation around Jerusalem was intense. Sennacherib, the commander of the Assyrian army had surround Jerusalem and was seeking surrender. He claimed victory over many other city-states and claimed power over all the gods of these kingdoms. He simply thought the Lord was like all the other gods and could not be counted on to protect Jerusalem. So he had sent a letter to King Hezekiah of Israel and told him to surrender or be destroyed.
What we can learn from King Hezekiah? Here’s what he did:
Isaiah 37:14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: 16 “LordAlmighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.
18 “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands. 19 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 20 Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.”
When I read this I thought how amazing and instructive this is and how often I fail to do what King Hezekiah does.
First, he puts the problem before the Lord. Every challenge, every hardship, every situation that seems insurmountable is one the Lord desires to be involved in and invited into. Hezekiah lays out the letter from Sennacherib before the Lord…in essence saying, “Lord, look at this. Here’s what I’m facing.”
Second, take the problem to the Lord in prayer. He recognizes the person and power of God and also recognizes the letter from Sennacherib was not just a letter to him and challenge to his power, but a letter that challenged the power of the Lord.
Third, pray with confidence the Lord will deliver in a way that his name will be glorified. In this case the Lord delivered Jerusalem from Sennacherib. Other times he didnt. But in the end, God was at work to bring glory to his name.
What’s the takeaway for us in this time of tragedy in central Texas?
Lay your heart and your concerns and your news articles and your social media feeds before the Lord. Invite him into your problems and concerns. Don’t try to handle these things alone.
Pray. Certainly pray for an outcome you think is best…but trust that the Lord will work an outcome for what he KNOWS is best. Pray that the enemy, Satan, does not win. He is at work to derail our trust and confidence in the Lord. Remember voices other than the Lord have opportunity to carry lies and deception, just like Sennacherib tried.
In this case, the Lord took out 185,000 Assyrians and Sennacherib withdrew.
Trust that the Lord will show up and ultimately bring glory to his name…even in a time of tragedy and loss. The Lord, his truth, his ways will ALWAYS win!
Apply: Read all of Isaiah 37. How can you follow the lead of King Hezekiah in the challenges you are facing and a) lay them before the Lord, b) pray to the Lord about them and c) trust the name of the Lord will always win, always be glorified!
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for giving us the privilege of prayer. Lead us to use it often. Thank you for having the power to work on our behalf and your willingness to use your power to protect, defend and show love to us. Thank you for the confidence that in every situation, of ease or challenge, joy or tragedy, your name will be glorified. AMEN.
In tragedy, give us peace!
I pray today’s devotion gives some direction and peace for your heart and for you to share with others as we see and are affected by the catastrophic flooding in central Texas.
Why?
Being on vacation while our communities in central Texas navigate the force of flooding and the devastation of death has been difficult. Tragedy happens every day around the world, but when it happens close to home, it hits home more deeply.
You realize life can change in an instant.
Life can end in an instant.
To my knowledge, we and no direct contacts of our Crosspoint community have been affected in a negative way by the flooding. While we thank God for his grace and mercy shown to us, tragedies can create questions that are hard to answer.
Questions like…”Why?”
Why did the Lord allow a catastrophic amount of rain to fall?
Why did girls at such a young age at a Christian camp experience trauma and death that would seem unbecoming of children that age?
Why did it happen at night and with such little warning?
Why?
You probably have your own questions.
But understanding the reason why is truly challenging. Here’s why.
We see the destruction, devastation and death. None of this seems to have anything good in it. Nothing.
So where do we turn? What answers can we give? What hope is there to share?
Where do we turn?
Perhaps the image that resonates is the child running to their parents to find a hug, a word of comfort and the security to know that things will be OK.
We can run to our God to find a hug, a word of comfort and the security to know that things will be OK.
We don’t understand the reason behind tragedy, but we are invited to let God carry us through it.
We don’t understand the reason behind tragedy, but we are invited to trust the mind and heart of God.
We don’t understand the reason behind the tragedy, but we are invited to have confidence that somehow God will work his good for the people and communities involved in this heart-breaking catastrophe.
How do we know? Simply consider what God has said.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The grief is real. The pain is deep. But God invites us to turn to him in trust that his ways for our lives are always the best…even when he allows pain and hardship to come.
The heart ache is real. But God invites us to give every burden to him. 1 Peter 4:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
For sure, we may not fully know why God has and is allowing this to happen. Satan wants to use it to doubt God’s goodness, blame him for tragedy, and lead us to doubt God’s promise. Remember this: (1 Peter 5:8) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
For today, find comfort in this verse: (Isaiah 41:10) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”.
Apply: Spend as much time in prayer today for the victims of the flooding as you do scrolling facebook to see the latest updates on the flooding.
Prayer: Lord, we simply ask for your mercy to find survivors, your peace to fill the grieving, and your strength to power those searching. Open our eyes to see opportunities to serve our fellow-man and give comfort to those in tears. Let your promises flood our hearts to navigate us and others through the challenging weeks ahead. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Fourth of July: Shine as Lights in a Free Land!
Today’s Devotion is based on Joy in the Journey – Week 5 – Hard Work (WATCH HERE)
Shine as Lights in a Free Land
Philippians 2:15 (NIV) “…so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
As Americans, on the Fourth of July, we gather to celebrate the birth of our nation and the gift of freedom. Fireworks light up the sky, flags wave proudly, and families remember those who have sacrificed so we can live in liberty.
As believers, this holiday invites us to reflect on a greater freedom: our freedom in Christ.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:15 that in a “warped and crooked generation,” God’s people are called to shine “like stars in the sky.” In other words, our freedom isn’t just for us. It’s meant to illuminate the darkness and point people to the One who has set us free.
The United States may be a free country, but the kind of freedom Paul writes about is not political but spiritual. It’s the freedom that comes when sin no longer owns you. It’s the freedom to live in purity, peace, and purpose because of what Christ has done. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Each year, millions gaze in awe at fireworks displays—bright lights cutting through the night, drawing cheers and wonder from the crowd. For a moment, the darkness doesn’t win. The brightness of the fireworks overcomes the darkness.
As you watch fireworks today, envision what Pauls says when he says we “shine like stars.” He’s not talking about Sunday-only faith or quiet, hidden Christianity. He’s imagining people who light up their workplaces, families, and neighborhoods with grace, joy, integrity, and love. People whose lives are so compelled by the love of Christ that others can’t help but notice.
When the fireworks end and the last rumble moves past you, look up at the stars and remember you don’t have to be loud to be light. Fireworks are brilliant and bold, but stars shine quietly but persistently. In the same way, God calls you to live with such a radiant, consistent faith that others see Christ through you. Sometimes the shine is brilliant and bold, other times it is bright and constant.
Use the freedom of our nation to live the freedom we have in Christ well. Paul warns in Galatians 5:13: “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” In other words, spiritual freedom is an invitation to shine brightly. How does that look? What are some bursts of light we can radiate?
- Love without fear
- Forgive without limits
- Serve without resentment
- Give without expecting return
- Speak truth without compromise
That kind of freedom shines brightly in a world still enslaved to fear, anger, and division.
That freedom is worth celebrating every day, not just on July 4th.
Apply: Celebrate true freedom: As you enjoy today’s festivities, take time to thank God for the ultimate freedom you have in Christ. No chains of sin or guilt can bind you anymore.
Pray for your country: True change in a nation doesn’t come only through policy, but through transformed hearts. Pray that believers across the land would shine brightly with Gospel hope.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the freedoms I enjoy in this country—and for the far greater freedom I have in You. Teach me not to take either for granted. Help me to live as a light in a dark world, shining with truth, love, and joy. As I celebrate this Fourth of July, may I remember the cost of my salvation and the purpose of my freedom is to serve You and others in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Philippians 2:17-18: A Poured Out Life Is Not a Wasted Life!
Today’s Devotion is based on Joy in the Journey – Week 5 – Hard Work (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:17–18 (NIV) “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Paul’s words here are deeply personal and deeply sacrificial. He writes from prison, uncertain of whether he will live or die, and he compares his life to a drink offering, a final act of worship poured out before God. In ancient Jewish and Roman traditions, a drink offering (usually wine) would be poured out on an altar alongside another sacrifice, symbolizing total surrender to a deity. It was a meaningful yet costly act Once poured out, it could not be taken back.
Paul sees his own suffering and potential death as a joyful act of worship when it’s connected to the Philippians’ “sacrifice and service coming from [their] faith.” In other words, if his suffering helps strengthen their faith, it’s worth it.
This passage turns our ideas of success and joy on their head. In a world that tells us to hold onto comfort, Paul is rejoicing in the act of pouring himself out, giving everything for the sake of others and the glory of God. And he invites the Philippians to do the same: “So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Here’s the heart of it: A poured-out life is not a wasted life—it’s a life well spent.
Paul is not bitter about being used up; he is joyful. Why? Because he has eternal purpose. He knows that whatever suffering or cost he endures now is not meaningless. His life has been an offering on the altar of Gospel ministry, and that gives it deep value.
Imagine a candle burning on a table in a dark room. It slowly melts, giving light to everyone around it. Its wax is spent but the room is filled with warmth and brightness. The candle has fulfilled its purpose not by preserving itself, but by being consumed.
That is what Paul is rejoicing in. His life is the candle, his ministry the flame, and his joy is found in being “used up” for the sake of others and for the glory of Christ. In a culture obsessed with self-preservation and self-fulfillment, Paul offers a radical picture of joyful sacrifice.
For us, the idea of being “poured out” may sound intimidating or extreme. But this is the normal Christian life. Romans 12:1 echoes this idea: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
In sports, the phrase coaches like to use is, “Leave it all on the field.” Expend all your energy in pursuit of the goal, winning the game.
In a life that follows Christ, you may not be called to literal martyrdom like Paul, but every believer is called to leave it all on the field of life. Whether it’s giving your time to someone in need, offering your skills to serve the church, or choosing forgiveness over revenge, these are daily drink offerings, little acts of surrender that God sees and honors.
The reward of this sacrifice is seeing God use you to be a blessing to another person and their life of faith. When you see a soul connected to Christ, or a soul strengthened in Christ…it’s reason to rejoice!
Apply: Paul says he rejoices, even as he sacrifices. Joy and service go together when your focus is on Christ. Ask God to help you serve in ways that bring life to others and joy to your soul.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You poured out Your life for me. Teach me to live with open hands and a willing heart, ready to be poured out in service to others and in obedience to You. Give me joy in the giving, strength in the serving, and peace in the sacrifice. Use my life for something eternal. Amen.