Introduction
The flood tragedy in Texas leaves us asking, “Why does God allow suffering?” This question echoes through grief, headlines, and even our private cries. As we wrestle with loss, 1 Peter 4:19 reminds us to trust our faithful Creator and continue to do good—even in sorrow.
Let Us Pray
God of mercy, we don’t understand the suffering that surrounds us. Help us hold on to You when all else falls apart. Give peace to those grieving, courage to those rescuing, and comfort to those questioning. Through it all, help us trust that You are faithful. Amen.
Let Us Worship in Song
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
A dear friend texted me this week, “I need for you to know I am mad! No joke—angry. I do not understand why over 100 people had to die last week in Texas… Tell me how to praise God always. Mad as hell.” These words are not isolated—they represent the heartache of thousands. The grief at Camp Mystic, the children lost, the parents, grandparents, and friends left with shattered hearts—all of it feels senseless.”
I too have wept at the news reports and the brave efforts of first responders. These moments stir questions that go deep: Why do the innocent suffer? Where is God in the flood?
Lessons from Job
Job’s story in the Bible speaks directly into our pain. After losing his children, his wealth, and even his health, Job sat in ashes, scraping his wounds, surrounded by friends who couldn’t offer real comfort. He cried out, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). Job never got a detailed answer from God about “why.” Instead, God reminded Job that divine wisdom and plans extend beyond human understanding. And in the end, Job proclaimed, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). His suffering led to deeper intimacy with God.
God and Tragedy – When Tragedy Transforms
I remember my own loss—Dr. Tom Wright, one of my dearest and closest friends, died in the Roselawn plane crash over 25 years ago. It felt meaningless. And yet, from that darkness came light. His son Brent became a compassionate pastor who has helped thousands. Tom’s daughter Brooke founded Brook’s Place for Grieving Children, helping over 34,000 grieving children since inception. https://www.brookesplace.org/missionhistory
Ten years ago, a stroke left me paralyzed on my dominant left side. I asked again, “Why?” But God redirected me. He slowed me down, and led me to deeper relationships …old and new… and to a new calling—-sharing His message through daily devotions and prayers with over 750 friends and seekers through texts and, DevotionsDoneDaily.com.
Romans 8:28 (ESV): “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
The Ultimate Transformation
The worst thing that ever happened in human history was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The best thing that ever happened in human history was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.”
Genesis 50:20 (ESV) As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Continuing to Do Good
1 Peter 4:19 gives us marching orders: “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” The good doesn’t always erase the pain, but it gives purpose to the pain. Horatio Spafford’s hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” was born from personal tragedy and has since comforted millions. We may never get full answers. But we do get a faithful God. And we’re not called to understand Him fully—we’re called to trust Him fully. Even when we’re “mad as hell.”
Call to Action
👉 https://devotionsdonedaily.com/subscribe/
Sources
For additional scripture study, visit GotQuestions.org
Acknowledgments
We thank Pixabay for free, high-quality artwork. Quotes are often from AZ Quotes when appropriate. Worship music from YouTube Gospel Music.
Wonderful posting today. I have the same thoughts and especially since the Texas disaster. Thanks for reminding us how God works in our lives. We just have to have faith from out of the depths of a disaster comes some very positive actions. Your life is a perfect example of that. You have always been a kind, considerate, compassionate man. Since your stroke, you’ve expanded that in many other areas. I treasure our friendship. Love to you.
It is in our suffering that we are drawn closer to God.
Pray for my son, Ralph Kennedy and his wife, Cara. Because they do not have Christ in their hearts, they are lost souls with no direction. In addition, my relationship with him is broken. Ralph is my only child , and I love him dearly. I am barely staying out of a severe depression, but I hang on to Jesus who is at my side, and thankfully , I am keeping my head above water. I have other difficulties, but this is the most serious.
Anita Ransome-Kuchler.
Anita: I pray for you both on this situation each day when I email you our daily post. It is sad and most unfortunate. Unfortunately there are too many families that have such fractures. You are not alone in this distress. Hugs to you along with prayers. Bill