4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?
Job 38:4-7 (New International Version)
On July 4th, 2025, flood waters swept through the Guadulupe River in and around Kerrville, Texas. As of this writing, there are more than 100 reported dead and still more than 100 unaccounted for. Where was God during this tragedy?
Children learn a simple prayer often quoted before mealtime:
“God is great, God is good. God, we thank you, for this food…”
These two profound truths summarize most of the Scriptures. If one believes in God at all one must believe he is great. Theologians refer to the greatness of God as omnipotence. But another truth must be held in tension. God is also good. God is kind, loving, benevolent. When a tragedy such as a school shooting, tornado, or senseless crime occurs we often question the goodness of God. Why would a good God allow suffering?
Some are calling New Jersey native Scott Ruskan, 26, an American hero. Ruskan left a career at the prestigious accounting firm KPMG to enlist in the Coast Guard. “When the crew arrived, they were racing against sundown to rescue as many stranded flood victims as possible. All roads were impassable, and the currents were too strong for any boats to get in, leaving helicopter evacuation as the only hope for the nearly 200 survivors.
As the crews evaluated the operational logistics, their goal was to move as many people out of harm’s way as possible, but they were bound by the weight limits of the helicopters. During a briefing, they decided to leave Ruskan on the ground to triage the rescue mission.
“I was like, sweet, sounds great, I’ll be more helpful on the ground than I will be in the air right now, so that’s kind of what we went with,” he said.”[1]
Where was God during the July 4th, 2025, Kerrville, Texas floods? He was working through people like Scott Ruskan. Over several hours, Ruskan led a high-risk rescue mission under the worst possible environmental conditions, which saw 165 brought to safety.
Yes, we grieve when tragedy strikes in all its various forms. Yet we understand we live in a post-fall environment. Ever since Adam and Eve’s fateful decision to disobey God, all of humanity, creation even, was plunged into chaos. At times, for reasons only He knows, God chooses to override natural events and perform miracles. They’re called miracles for a reason.
And who are often the first to arrive at the scene of a tragedy or natural disaster? God’s people … in the form of Samaritan’s Purse, or the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, unnamed local volunteers, or in this case: the Christian group, Texans on Mission.
When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane … struggling with the next step in the Father’s plan for his life, he “… fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” But then, with some of the most profoundly beautiful words in all the Bible. Jesus prayed, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”[2]
No doubt we live amid suffering and chaos. But one day, everything will be set right. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan is a savior who rescued hundreds from certain death. Jesus Christ is THE savior who offers rescue from eternal death. Have you trusted Him for everlasting salvation?
As you encounter various trials and tribulations in the weeks and months to come remember to hold these two theological truths in tension: God is great AND God is good. Do you believe it today?
© Dr. Paul Pettit
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
Dr. Paul Pettit
Dr. Paul Pettit serves as Director of Career Services at Dallas Theological Seminary and teaches in the departments of Spiritual Formation, Leadership, and Pastoral Ministries. Dr. Pettit is also the founder of Dynamic Dads. Dynamic Dads is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging fathers everywhere in their demanding yet highly rewarding role of leading their family.
[1] https://nypost.com/2025/07/06/us-news/coast-guard-american-hero-scott-ruskan-helps-save-texas-flood-victims/
[2] Matthew 26:39 (New International Version)
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