CAPA Corner: Why the Flood?

Many probably have asked the LORD this question over the past two months:  “Why the flood, O LORD?”  I, certainly, am not going to guess why the LORD allowed the flood to hit the Baton Rouge area, and to hit the City of Central so hard.  Everyone who lives in our city who is reading this article has been directly impacted by the flood in significant ways – no matter if your home or business received flood waters or not.  All of us have seen a change in the way we do things.

Isaiah 45:6c-7 have some words for us to consider.  In quoting the LORD’s words, Isaiah writes, “I am the LORD, and there is no other.  I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.”

The 2016 Louisiana flood did not surprise the LORD.  He ordained it.  Some will say He sent judgment with the flood.  Maybe.  Again, I don’t pretend to know the mind of God and what His purposes are.  However, we can’t escape the fact that the flood has come, and we are and we will be dealing with it for years to come.  It has changed us.  It has changed the way we do things.  My hope is that it has brought us closer to the LORD, and is allowing us to grow closer to Him, together, as we share the love of Jesus Christ with one another in our recovery efforts.

I have seen Central churches, schools, businesses, and neighbors reaching out to one another, serving one another in ways we may have thought we would never do.  The flood has given us a talking point that unites us in an unexpected and unique way.

As we move forward, let’s keep relying on the LORD and sharing the love of His Son with those around us.  The flood, indeed, was/is a disaster.  But let us not be defeated by it.  Let us use it as a God-given opportunity to strengthen our already strong community.  And in the end, to God alone be the glory!

Don Hulsey,
Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church (9526 Joor Road)