Whatever the facts and figures, the last few weeks have certainly been a washout, with heavy rain bringing untold misery, through extensive flooding, to hundreds of thousands of people. Even after floodwaters had begun to subside, whole communities remained at a standstill without that most basic of commodities – fresh water – for drinking, washing and vital sanitation.

The crisis has brought home to us, in no uncertain terms, so many important truths about being prepared, making provision and establishing priorities in life.

So how might we reflect on recent events in matters of our spirituality?

Jesus said: "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." It's a known fact that countless individuals throughout history have come to know these truths in a very real way for themselves. When life has become chaotic and uncertain, they have found that, in Jesus Christ, their needs have been met.

Wise men and women have come to realise that hearing the words of Jesus and putting them into practice has been like building a house on a rock. When the rains came and the storms of life raged all around, they were able to stand firm and come through because they had their foundation on that rock – Jesus Christ.

The weather experts tell us that this July's weather pattern is unlikely to be an isolated occurrence. Maybe now is the time to sort out your "flood defences" by putting your faith in the one who holds your future and mine?

By Rev Canon Kevin Partington, team rector Dewsbury Team Parish – on behalf of Churches Together in Dewsbury.