Beyond Today Daily

Innocent Lives Lost: Where Was God?

While many celebrated the 4th of July, a devastating flash flood struck a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Texas. Over 150 lives were lost or remain missing. The tragedy is even more painful, knowing the victims were children and families attending a camp meant to teach godly values. Why do such terrible things happen—even to the innocent?

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[Darris McNeely] While we were celebrating the 4th of July with family fireworks, a tragedy occurred in south Texas along the Guadalupe River. Flash floods roared through campgrounds filled with vacationers. Alarms did not sound and people asleep were caught in the water and washed away. More than 150 were killed or missing

It is compounded when you learn the children were attending a Christian summer youth camp. A place where they were being taught good values in a safe environment. And they were caught in a torrent of water that carried away their young lives.

It’s a reminder of how quickly life can turn. King David wrote, “...truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). The Bible tells us “Time and chance happen to all . . . Like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them” (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12).

Jesus addressed unspeakable tragedy in His time. On a Roman governor's orders, several men were brutally killed while bringing sacrifices to the temple.

“Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2-3).

It was incomprehensible to those who heard Christ's words that such a tragedy could befall people who were in the act of doing good. They couldn’t understand why God could allow such a disaster.

This tragedy in Texas—and any other tragedy, does not happen without God’s knowledge. It hurts. It is hard to understand. But a sovereign God exists and this earth and life upon it is here for His great purpose.

We grieve for these victims. Both young and old. They are known to God, and they will live again to know God and His eternal purpose for life, and yes, even the why of this tragedy that ended their lives so suddenly.

The lesson? Number our days. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is a gift. Use it wisely.

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Darris McNeely

Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible Center teaching Acts, Fundamentals of Belief and World News and Prophecy. He enjoys hunting, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren.