And after seven days the waters of
the flood
came upon the earth.
Genesis 7:10 ESV
Imagine for
a moment that you are in Noah’s position. God told him to build a boat because
God was going to flood the earth. Noah obeyed, becoming the only man in his
subdivision with a boat in his driveway. Neighbors began complaining about the
eyesore distracting from the beautiful landscape of their peaceful community.
They began to plead with Noah to tear that thing down or at least move it to
some remote piece of land out of their sight. Then, after talking to him, they
believed him to be crazy—build a boat—rain—God said? They decided to form a
committee to pursue having him institutionalized.
His
wife nagged him, his boys were embarrassed by his behavior—even the family dog
seemed confused. But Noah kept building. Upon completion of the monstrosity,
animals began showing up in the neighborhood—two by two they came. Giraffes!
Elephants! Zebras! Sheep! They came, and they came and they came. Finally,
amidst all the police cars, fire engines and ambulances, Noah escorted Mrs.
Noah, his three boys and their wives into the ark. Then they waited!
Day one the
crowds grew larger, day two they began taunting Noah, “Where is this rain you
were talking about?” Noah believed God! Day three and four the crowds
increased. Day five the crowds began to dwindle, walking away and shaking their
heads in pity. Day six Mrs. Noah and the children are getting worried. Noah
believed God! Day seven—a week of waiting!
Finally,
after seven days, the rains came. Then the neighbors came—knocking on the ark
begging Noah to open the door. The flood waters rose and the ark began to
float. And life as Noah knew it would never be the same.
Have you
been through a life-changing circumstance? Have you found yourself in a
situation where you feel everything is out of control and you are getting
direction for your life from friends and family, but the problem seems to grow
as each of them offers a different solution for your situation? Have you
finally heard from God about the direction you should take, but continue to get
push back from those around you who believe you are making a mistake? Are you,
like Noah, in that seven-day wait—believing God and hoping to be rescued?
Do not
despair! Believe God! Obey God! Trust God! Like Noah, you too can find grace in
the eyes of the LORD. Today a fresh beginning will provide opportunity to
walk with God in new and exciting adventures. Do not be discouraged, and do not
give up hope. Like Noah, you may have a seven-day wait but when God says, “Let’s
Go” I guarantee it will be the ride of your life.
© Joyce Powell
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Love this! You're such a good writer, Joyce, and have such good, good things to say. God bless
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