Tragedy in Texas – As of this writing, 119 are confirmed dead and over 170 are missing after severe flooding in the Hill Country of Texas. Victims include kids and counselors from Camp Mystic and other summer camps operating along the Guadalupe River, and families that traveled to the scenic area for the 4th of July weekend.
The lazy river rose 26 feet in 45 minutes during the early morning hours of Friday, July 4th leaving those impacted feeling a lot like Job. It is not comprehendible, nor explainable. Through the tears, you hear the “Why?”
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. – Job 1:1. Then four calamities came upon Job and his family with the fourth being ... yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground to worship and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” – 1:18-21. So Satan … afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. – 2:7. “If I have sinned, what have I done to You, You who see everything we do? Why have You made me Your target? Have I become a burden to You? Why do You not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; You will search for me, but I will be no more.” – 7:20-21. Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said, “Who is this that obscures My plans with words without knowledge? … Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” – 38:1&4. Then Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy – how can I reply to You? I put my hand over my mouth.” – 40:3-4. Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” … After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. – 42:1-2, &10. Perspective on what God allows in this world is not possible this side of Heaven. It is not comprehendible, nor explainable. Frustration, grief and anger are all part of life in the flesh. David reflects that clearly in his Psalms. Paul provides some perspective with, For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1Corinthians 13:12-13.
Tips for perspective on Feeling Like Job:
- Read the book of Job as a family;
- Pray always;
- Hug often.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your Word and the eternal perspective You provide. I have no idea what You are up to in times such as these but I do know You are God and You are sovereign. Grant me patience with myself and others as the emotions across these days take their toll. Keep my eyes focused on You and grant me strength to lead with an eternal perspective in this temporal world. That is the dad You call me to be and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father leads with an eternal perspective in this temporal world.
