In a Flash
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1
Two weeks ago, a neighboring community was suddenly destroyed by a flash flood. Over 17 inches of rain fell in less than an hour and that coupled with some other circumstances led to a flash flood that tragically ended 20 lives in the span of a few moments. Our community, and others in the surrounding area came together with donations, and help, ordinary people stopped their lives to rush to the aid of those in need. Government agencies and large corporations sent help, food, clothing, and money. Sadly, none of this help can change the fact that many have lost everything. The waters took so much from so many. Lives lost ranged from infants to the aged. Homes, vehicles, lifetimes worth of memories destroyed in an instant.
It’s been inspiring to watch friends and strangers work together to make sure these people have what they need during this time of crisis. I can’t imagine how long real recovery will take: for those who have lost family members, a return to a new kind of normal will take years, and they will likely be haunted by what they experienced for the remainder of their lives. They had no warning, no idea this could happen. The area that flooded was not on a flood plain, from what I understand, even the insurance agency that flooded didn’t have flood insurance. They simply never expected this to happen, and it happened too quickly to escape.
Since the flood, we’ve learned about the 20 people who lost their lives in this tragedy, from 7 month old infants to a 70 year old ranch hand. None of them thought that a hard rain would end their lives that morning. Some family members shared details about the faith of their loved ones, one mother posting on social media, “She knew Jesus, and I know I’ll see her again.” That means everything. I couldn’t help but wonder about the others. Were they ready? It brought home to me the urgency of making every effort, and taking every opportunity to share the gospel with people. These people weren’t expecting death, but it found them. Had they heard the gospel? Had anyone taken time to express care for their eternal soul? The babies and children not yet accountable for their sin, we know, are safe in their Father’s arms in heaven, those with a testimony have received their eternal reward, but what of the others? Did they think it was something that they’d take care of later, not understanding that later would never come for them?
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
Why then, friends, do we wait? Why do we while away time in frivolous pursuits, when all around us there are people bound for eternal torment? How can we sit idly by knowing that we know or even know of people who have no hope? It’s horrifying to think that we enjoy ourselves with fun and games while our neighbors walk through this life separated from a just God, who has given us but one actionable job: Go ye, and make disciples.
While life must go on, and I understand that. We must go to our jobs and attend to the physical needs of our family. I think we can start with proclaiming God’s goodness in our lives. Let people know that building a relationship with Christ is worth it, that He helps in the hard times, and makes the good times better. As Christians, it behooves us to always be looking for an opportunity to share everything Christ has done for us. We should focus on our blessings, share them with others, give God the glory where He is due it, and learn to speak of Him with confidence and knowledge. When we begin by noting His goodness in our own lives, it will be easier for us to proclaim it to others.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145;3
