In God We Trust
Two 100-year floods in 13 months. A Kerrville drive to verify the truth reveals why "In God we trust" points to the only refuge big enough.
WARNINGSDIVINE APPOINTMENTS
Trace Pirtle
2 min read
Just over a year ago, on July 4th 2025, our Kerrville, Texas community suffered a catastrophic flood. It took the lives of 139 irreplaceable people. One little girl still has not been found.
Once again today, we had another major flood. That's two 100-year floods in less than 13 months apart. But as I watched the network news, I began to sense the warning Jesus gave us about deception in the end times (Matthew 24:4-5). I have become wary of the hyperbole and blatant distortions of the facts in order to create fear, panic, and all the emotions that improve ratings and viewer time in front of the screen.
As I watched the reporter, I thought... In God we trust: All other claims must be verified.
So, against the "do not travel" recommendation, I went out for a drive in search of the truth, not exaggeration. What I discovered is that the damage done was actually worse than last year. My processing shifted from "we'll just see about this," to "what am I doing out here!?"
At that moment, when a slight rush of fear-based adrenaline kicked in, I no longer wondered about the deception, but the birth pains. Jesus also reminded us that natural disasters like this would increase in frequency and intensity in the last days (Matthew 24: 7-8).
As I made my way back home, taking one washed-out road detour after another, I was faced with a new reality of living in "Flash Flood Alley." God's 100-year floods of yesterday have become the annual floods of today. The intensity of this one was worse than last year.
As I sit here at the Pilgrim's Desk, looking out the window at another wall of black clouds approaching and streaks of lightning flashing over the Texas Hill Country, I recall the 1975 movie Jaws. Upon seeing the giant shark, Police Chief Brody tells veteran shark hunter Quint, "You're gonna need a bigger boat."
Watching the water rise where I'd just been driving, I understood exactly what he meant. We are not equipped for what's coming — not with sandbags, not with warning apps, not with new sirens, not with better forecasting.
I was left thinking, people don't realize they need a bigger Ark for the waters that are coming. The only Ark they will ever need, the only one big enough, is the refuge that Jesus provides for those who believe.
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