As most of you are aware, our Independence Day celebrations were marred by the flash flooding in Texas in which over 120 people lost their lives, and with 160 still missing and presumed dead. Among the death toll were over two dozen children and a few counselors who were attending Camp Mystic in Texas. Because Camp Mystic has been highlighted in the news so often, I thought that it would be helpful for all of us to learn more about Camp Mystic, and so I’m providing the following information from their website:

“Camp Mystic is a private Christian summer camp for girls. Established in 1926, Mystic is nestled among cypress, live oak, and pecan trees in the hill country of west-central Texas on the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River. Mystic is located near the geographical center of Texas, 18 miles northwest of Kerrville. The staff at Mystic strives to provide young girls with a wholesome Christian atmosphere in which they can develop outstanding personal qualities and self-esteem. Each summer, Mystic challenges its campers to meet the Mystic ideals:

1. Be a better person for being at Mystic
2. Let Mystic bring out the best in them
3. Grow spiritually

Campers develop life-long friendships with other campers and counselors. They also learn incredible life skills. A summer camping experience at Camp Mystic is an important investment in your daughter’s education.”

I don’t need to remind any of us that grieving is a part of life. We have all grieved the loss of one or more family members and friends, and it brings sorrow and untold grief into our lives. Even though we all grieve in different ways, let’s remember that grieving is good for us because it reminds us of the value of human life. And, for all of those who know Jesus as Savior, the Apostle Paul tells us that we can grieve “but not as those in the world who have no hope” (1 Thes 4:13).

All Christians affirm that God is all-powerful (omnipotent) and that He could have prevented this tragedy if He chose to do so. But when it comes to matters dealing with the “will of God,” we are confronted with three biblical possibilities. First, there is God’s DECRETIVE WILL, that is, He decreed certain things to happen, and that includes creating the universe as well as mankind. He did what He “decreed” and “wanted” to do. Second, there is God’s PERFECT WILL, that is, God would love to see all of humanity life godly lives and obey His command to “love one another,” as well as for everyone to “repent and be saved.” And here again, He allows mankind to exercise free will in their choices, including the choice to reject Christ or to receive Him as Savior and Lord. And finally, there is God’s PERMISSIVE WILL, in which God allows certain things to happen for His divine purposes to be worked out. Although He could have prevented it, He “allowed” the tragedy in Texas for some divine reason, as He does for other tragedies that we find in the news each year.

Of course, it goes without saying, we human beings want to know “WHY” God would allow such tragedies to happen. We’ve all cried out to God to give us some answers, and we would love to see His finger stretch across the sky and write the answer to our query. But, for some reason, God chooses to remain silent. The Old Testament character Job encountered the same dilemma. Having lost his family, his livelihood, and his health, he asked the same “WHY” questions. And in the end, God confronted Job by causing him to realize that he (Job) is not the Creator, and therefore, why would He question the One who created all things about the things that He allows to happen. Job ends the dialogue by saying to God:

“I have complained about things that I don’t understand. Teach me and I will listen” (paraphrase, Job 42:3-4).

And then, the Prophet Isaiah provides some insights for us about God and His ways:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

In the end, as we search for answers and ask God to provide them, all we can do is to rest in the love and wisdom of God, knowing that He knows what He is doing, even though we may not. God was not absent in the recent tragic floods. He is fully present working out a divine plan — a plan that is both good and perfect.  

Let’s all remember to pray for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, as well as for all of the search and relief efforts that are ongoing. And let’s remember to thank God for the life he has given us on this side of heaven.

I plan to follow up with some additional thoughts on this topic next week. Blessings to all.