This past summer, I thought I had finally created my little slice of heaven on earth. Eleven beautiful raised garden boxes that my husband had lovingly built and fenced in—safe from rabbits, chickens, and even the occasional deer. Inside those boxes grew cucumbers, carrots, okra, tomatoes, broccoli, radishes, leafy greens, and strawberries. It was thriving, green, and beautiful.
That garden became my happy place. On tough homeschool days, I could step outside, dig in the soil, and breathe. It was the one space that felt like mine, where God and I could meet in the quiet.
And then came the storm.
In just two hours, a massive downpour hit our area. Record-breaking rainfall swelled the nearby creek until it spilled into our yard. Water rose to within twelve feet of our house, tore away part of our driveway, and—worst of all—completely washed away my garden. The soil, the plants, the peace I thought I’d built with my own hands—all gone.
At first, I was devastated. But as I look back, I see how God used that flooded garden to teach me lessons I’ll never forget.
1. God Knows Me Intimately
Normally, I’m the one glued to the weather website when storms roll in. Normally ready to take action if things get bad. I’d have been up all night watching the radar, heart racing as the water rose. But that night? I slept.
I believe with all my heart that God protected me from the panic attack I would’ve had if I’d been awake to witness it. He knows me so well—better than I know myself—and in His kindness, He shielded me with rest.
2. God Brings Good Out of Loss
When the floodwaters receded, the damage was obvious. Gardens gone, yards torn apart, random items strewn all along the creek, and roads washed out. But something else rose up in the middle of all that loss: our little community.
Neighbors came together in many ways. Some walked along the creek, helping one another gather lost items. The very next day, one of our neighbors showed up at our home with his tractor to help us rebuild the driveway. What I thought was destruction became an opportunity to witness kindness, fellowship, and the beauty of bearing one another’s burdens.
True Peace Is Found in Him Alone
Perhaps the most important lesson God taught me through my flooded garden is this: my peace is not rooted in soil, no matter how rich or productive that soil may be. Gardens, homes, plans—all earthly things—can be washed away in an instant.
But His peace? That’s unshakable.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:16
The peace God offers is not dependent on weather, circumstances, or even the things we hold most dear. It’s a peace that stays when everything else is stripped away.
A New Perspective
I still love gardening, and I’ll plant again this fall and for many years to come. But I’ll never look at it the same way. My garden isn’t my sanctuary—God is. The beauty of the soil and the joy of the harvest are simply gifts that point me back to Him.
So if you’re walking through your own “flooded garden” season—whether it’s homeschooling struggles, homestead hardships, or just the everyday weight of life—know this: you are not alone, and your peace isn’t gone. It’s waiting for you in Him.
Friend, have you ever had something you loved deeply suddenly slip through your hands? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below—because when we share, we remind one another of God’s faithfulness, even in the storms.
Losing my garden that day was hard—but the lessons God grew out of that loss have stayed with me far longer than any harvest would have. And maybe you’ve had your own “flooded garden” moment—something you poured into that was suddenly gone. If so, I want to offer you a simple reflection page I created to help you pause, pray, and write down what God is teaching you in this season.
🌿 Click here to download your free “Flooded Garden Reflections” printable.
My prayer is that it helps you see the beauty God can bring, even out of loss, and reminds you of the peace that only He can give.
