Where Was God in the Kerrville Flood?

On July 4th, the city of Kerrville, Texas was hit by a devastating flood. In a matter of moments, families were torn apart. Children, mothers, and fathers were swept away. Many of us are left asking a question that echoes through every tragedy: “Where was God?”

A Broken World, Not a Broken God

The Bible is clear—God created a world that was good. But the world became fractured. The ripple effects of humanity’s rebellion introduced suffering, disease, and death. Floods are not the product of a cruel Creator, but of a broken creation.

“For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.”
—Romans 8:22 (WEB)

Why Doesn’t God Stop It?

This is perhaps the hardest question to face. God can stop disaster—so why doesn’t He every time? Scripture gives us a glimpse: God is patient, not willing that any should perish, giving people time to turn to Him. He often restrains evil, but He also allows the consequences of a fallen world to unfold for reasons we cannot fully see.

“The Lord is not slow concerning his promise… but is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
—2 Peter 3:9 (WEB)

We Only See the Now—God Sees Eternity

From our side of eternity, the loss feels unbearable—and it is. But what if God is allowing something we cannot yet comprehend, because it will produce a greater good we cannot yet see? A tragedy like this might awaken hearts, stir compassion, unite a community, or cause someone to finally look upward.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive…”
—Genesis 50:20 (WEB)

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”
—Romans 8:28 (WEB)

Death Is Not the End

For those who belong to Christ, death is not defeat—it is a homecoming. And for the children swept away in Kerrville, Jesus' own words shine brightly:

“Let the little children come to me… for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
—Matthew 19:14 (WEB)

God Knows What It Feels Like to Lose a Child

God does not watch our grief from a distance. He entered into it. He gave His only Son, and watched Him suffer and die—for us. He understands the ache of loss. He weeps with us. And He offers healing that reaches deeper than the wound.

“Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering… and by his wounds we are healed.”
—Isaiah 53:4–5 (WEB)

Where Do We Go From Here?

Tragedies remind us that life is fragile and time is short. But they also remind us that there is a Savior who conquered death, who walks with us in grief, and who offers eternal life to all who call upon Him.

If you’re searching for answers, let this be the moment you stop running and start seeking. Click here to learn how to be saved.

“Call on the name of the Lord, and you will be saved.”
—Romans 10:13 (WEB)

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God never promised a world without pain. But He did promise to walk through the waters with us, to carry us through the fire, and to bring us home when our journey ends.

Even when the floodwaters rise, the cross reminds us: God is not absent. He came to save.