When Floodwaters Threaten to Overtake You

As I sit and write this morning it is pouring rain outside. That, in itself, should not be problematic – after all a good summer rain should nourish the land and promote growth. The dilemma is that for a number of weeks, heavy rains are creating havoc. We are in a time of unprecedented moisture; so much so that many areas are flooding.

We saw this firsthand on a recent trip across the prairies. Crops sitting in high water. Roads washed away. Areas unusable or impassable. Overland flooding drowning out some towns. The moisture that should have been a good thing has destroyed the hopes and dreams of many. For us personally we came home to a garden with many items flooded out or stunted growth with lack of sunlight. The weeds are growing thick but many plants are not.

It is a highly unusual summer. Storm warnings continue as a higher-than-normal number of tornadoes rip through the prairies. Forest fires remain a concern, even with the added moisture.

All of these events happening are indicative of life in general. We can be going along, doing our normal, when the floodwaters whoosh and life get turned upside down. Our expectations get quashed. Our plans go awry. Thunder roars as our finances shrivel. Storms pounce as relationships goes sideways. Floods of emotion occur as a loved one suffers.

When the storms of life threaten to consume us, the words of the prophet Isaiah are helpful:

“But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob. He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3a NIV)

Firstly, it is important to note that God uses the word “when” not “if” you pass through the waters. Having problems in this life is a given not a maybe. The critical part of these verses is that God distinctly promises to be with us – through any storm or circumstance. We have a God that beautifully designed us and who cares for us. He is not some distant Creator that made us and then left us to flounder on our own.

God cares for us through each step of life. He is there when floodwaters rise and threaten to overtake us. He is there when our hearts burst with joy over a glad event. He is there – loving, caring, directing, protecting, preserving, and teaching.

Sometimes it feels as if the trials of this life will consume us. We don’t see a way out of troubling circumstances. We face intense loss or suffer greatly. In those times we need to remember God’s Word where He explicitly says in multiple parts of Scripture the He will be with us. He may allow tough times in our lives to help us grow, but He is there to guide us on our path if we are willing to trust Him.

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