When the Waters Rise

How the Church Can Respond with Compassion and Courage

When tragedy strikes, it leaves a mark not just on the land but on the heart of a community. The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas during the first week of July have left hundreds dead, missing, and mourning as entire camps were washed away. Families are grieving an unimaginable loss. While in the middle of this storm, we’ve seen the power of faith, compassion, and courage.

The Bible doesn’t promise that storms won’t come, but it does tell us how to walk through them with hands that serve, hearts that break, and feet ready to go wherever God calls.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

What Can We (the Body of Christ) Do?

In the face of such overwhelming loss, it’s easy to feel helpless, but we have the endowment of the Holy Spirit, and we are not powerless. Here are five practical steps believers and Bible study communities can take to reflect Christ’s love in the wake of disaster:

1. Pray Specifically, Consistently, and Boldly

Make time in your personal prayers and group gatherings to intercede for:

• Families who lost loved ones
• Rescuers and volunteers still at work
• Pastors and counselors helping victims heal
• Wisdom for leaders making decisions about alerts, aid, and prevention

You can even create a “Prayer for Texas” card or PDF to share online or in church bulletins.

2. Give What You Can and Give Wisely

Look for vetted, faith-based organizations that are on the ground:

• Samaritan’s Purse
• Texas Baptist Men
• Local churches hosting displaced families

Even small donations go further when people give together.

3. Equip Your Bible Study Group for Real-World Compassion

Take one meeting to talk about disaster readiness and Christian service:

• What would we do if this happened here?
• How can we respond spiritually and practically?
• Who do we know that might need extra support during a crisis?

Create a contact tree, emergency plan, or care team list. It may feel small now, but it won’t feel small when someone needs it.

4. Speak Up for Better Preparedness

Many lives were lost because flood alerts didn’t go out in time. Churches can play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for warning systems, and even assisting in the installation of community sirens. Be a voice in your town, school board, or local government that says, “We can do better next time.”

5. Don’t Forget

The news cycle will move on, but grief doesn’t, and neither does need. Mark your calendar one month from now, three months from now, and reach back out:

• Is there a family we can write to or encourage?
• Can we help rebuild homes or send supplies?
• Is a partner church still collecting resources?

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

The Gospel shines brightest when it shows up long after the headlines fade.

Let the Church Be First to Respond

We may not be able to stop the rain, but we can be the first to arrive with shelter, food, prayer, and presence. The Church should not be silent. We should be singing, serving, weeping, and giving just like Jesus did.

Take action: Pray. Give. Plan. Speak. Show up. Let’s do it together at http://interactivebiblestudies.net because when the waters rise, the people of God rise too.
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17

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The Hope That Saves

In moments like these, we are reminded that this life is fragile, while eternity is certain. Every soul needs a firm foundation, not just every house. That foundation is Jesus Christ. He alone can calm the storms within and carry us through every flood.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11

If you have never trusted in Christ for salvation, today is the day. Receive His grace. Believe in His name and that He died and rose again so that you could be forgiven and made new.

If you are already walking with Jesus, I want you to do two things. First, reach out to me personally. Second, remember this: there is no better time to share the hope of salvation with those around you. Let your actions speak for themselves, and let your words point people home, because the greatest rescue we can offer is the message of the Gospel.

The world needs help. More than that, it needs hope. Let’s offer both.