When the Waters Rose: Where Was God in the Flood?
Opening Scripture:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…”
— Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)
Heartbreak in the Texas Hill Country
In times like these, words feel small.
There are moments in life when the weight of grief is unbearable—when the storms rage, the waters rise, and innocent lives are lost. When we weep for children taken too soon, when tragedy hits without warning, our hearts cry out:
Where was God? Why didn’t He stop it? Why would He let this happen?
These are not new questions. They are old and sacred. Even Jesus Himself cried out on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
This sermon isn’t here to give neat answers—but to bring you into the presence of a God who sees your tears, hears your cries, and carries your pain.
God Grieves With Us
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35 (ESV)
The shortest verse in the Bible speaks volumes.
Jesus stood outside the tomb of His friend Lazarus—even though He knew He was about to raise him from the dead—and He wept.
Not because He lacked power. But because He is deeply moved by human sorrow.
If you’ve lost someone in the flood…
If you held your breath waiting for news that never came…
If your arms feel empty and your soul feels hollow—God understands.
He’s not distant. He’s not silent.
He weeps with you.
Death Is a Thief—But It Will Not Win
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV)
When we lose a child, a friend, a parent, it feels unnatural—because it is.
We were not created for death. We were created for life with God.
But sin entered the world (Genesis 3), and along with it came suffering, brokenness, and yes—raging floods.
But this is not the end of the story.
God has not left us in the dark. He has promised that death will not win.
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces…”
— Isaiah 25:8 (ESV)
Jesus Has Defeated the Grave
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25 (ESV)
The greatest comfort we have in grief is not that life will go on—it’s that eternal life has been secured by Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, every child who belonged to Him lives forever.
Because Jesus conquered the grave, every believer can cling to a living hope.
When the waters took what we loved, they did not take them from God’s hands.
Their story does not end in the flood. It continues in His presence.
God Promises to Be With Us in the Deep Waters
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
In the days ahead, grief will come in waves.
Some days, you’ll feel strong. Other days, you won’t know how to get out of bed.
That’s okay. God does not ask you to carry this alone.
He walks with you through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23).
He promises that you will not be overwhelmed, even when you feel like you’re drowning (Isaiah 43:2).
He holds every tear you cry (Psalm 56:8).
He’s not done writing your story—and He has not forgotten those you’ve lost.
In the Midst of Mystery—Trust the Heart of God
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…”
— Romans 8:28 (ESV)
This verse does not say that all things are good.
Tragedy is not good. Floods are not good. Death is not good.
But God is.
Even when we cannot see it, even when we don’t understand, we trust the One who entered our suffering, gave His Son, and invites us into eternal life.
If you’re wondering where to turn with your pain—turn to Jesus.
If you don’t know how to take the next step—let Him carry you.
If you’ve never placed your faith in Christ—do not wait. There is no safer refuge than His arms.
Closing Scripture:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way and the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea…”
— Psalm 46:1–2 (ESV)
Closing Prayer
Lord God,
We are broken, hurting, and full of questions. The weight of grief is heavy, and the loss feels unbearable. But in this moment, we look to You—the One who is our refuge in the storm.
We thank You that You are near to the brokenhearted.
We thank You that You sent Your Son so that death would never have the final say.
We thank You that the ones we love are not lost to You—they are held in Your presence.
Comfort the grieving, Lord. Wrap them in Your peace.
When the nights are long and the pain is deep, speak hope to their hearts.
Remind them that You are still good, still God, still here.
We trust You, even when we don’t understand.
We praise You, even through the tears.
And we wait for the day when every tear will be wiped away.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray,
Amen.