On July 7, 2025, hard rains fell and the creeks rose and the streets were flooded. We usually read about events like this. These are things that happen in other places, not here, where we live. This time, though, it was our turn to get hit.
Water came in the church, flooded people out of their homes, and caused millions of dollars in property damage. For people, like those in our own congregation, who had to be rescued out of their homes, this is traumatic. As a church, we want to support people however we can. We have called. We have prayed. We have provided meals for some. We have come alongside those who need supplies and encouragement.
Considering what happened theologically, I thought of Jonah. "You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all you waves and billows passed over me" (2:3). Floods, seas, raging torrents, unfathomable depths; water humbles humanity like few things can. We need it to live. We cannot survive without it. Yet, we are so small and insignificant, and powerless, before the might of water.
Yet our God is bigger than the flood. In worship (July 13), we prayed Psalm 46. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ... We will not fear, though the waters roar and foam" (v.1, 3). When our people are going through great trials, this is as important as the material aid we give. We help people who are scared and traumatized remember they are not alone and God is bigger than the storm and He loves us.
