These days I seem to be waiting, waiting, waiting. It takes patience and faith, and I ask the Lord when. When will we no longer have to worry about being infected with a virus? When will the rebellion and riots cease? When will I get to see more of my family who live five states away? And if a catastrophe might fall upon the US, will we have enough food and water?
The other morning, I began reading chronologically through the Bible. The story of Noah and the arc showed up in one of the early chapters. The story reminded me of how Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives entered with arc with two of every animal. God was to destroy the world by a flood, and the arc was their safe haven.
Most of us know the story. How the floods came, how the arc settled on Mt. Ararat, how Noah sent the dove out to see if there was dry land. During the deluge, I’m sure he had no idea when life would return to normal or what would come next. He only waited to see what happened. But in all of it, he trusted God.
When I feel uncertain of my future, I tend to make plans and lists to get myself on track. Noah didn’t have that choice. He merely gathered his family together on the arc and waited to see what God would do next. The best part was he trusted God with his future.
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of this household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Hebrews 11:7
Amen. By faith, we wait and we trust in Him. I am thankful for His comfort.
Melissa, sometimes it’s easier said than done. 😚 At least these days we’re having plenty of opportunity to exercise our faith.
It sometimes seems as if faith was simpler in biblical times, but that’s an illusion. They had struggles and heartaches and “impossible” situations, yet they served the God of all possibilities.
I need to hold onto my faith in God right now. All I know is to plead to the Lord that righteousness and justice will be done. Thanks for your comment.
Noah fully trusted God. His faith was active in the waiting season. I love how faithful he was to hear and obey God. Such an example for us! Thank you for the reminder of this man’s obedience to God.
Marcie, sometimes I think the old testament has no relevance for us today. But then when I read stories like Noah in the ark, it reminds me, we can learn much from the old testament.
Amazing thoughts when you look at the story through Noah’s eye. I pray to have that kind of faith. Thanks for sharing.
Yvonne, thank you so much for stopping by to make a comment. Right now we have to wait upon the Lord more than ever before.
One of the best lessons I ever learned about waiting is that it is not passive. We actively do what God has placed before us, even in the waiting for what comes next.
Ava, what a great thought. I hadn’t thought of that before but you are so right.
So so good, June. You are right — Noah is a really interesting and INSPIRING role model for us. He obeyed God. He didn’t question but instead “gathered his family together on the arc and waited to see what God would do next.” That’s how I want to live!
Me too, Jessica. Sometimes it’s hard but with God all things are possible.
June, you so beautifully shed new light on a familiar Bible story. Noah, didn’t have a choice to take things into his own hands or make plans instead of waiting on God’s plan. But he had faith in God’s plan from beginning to end.
Thank you, Karen. It’s amazing how the Lord can use stories from long ago and apply them to our lives today.