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.
In a few hours 2013 will be history, and 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.
Happy New Year from our boat to yours!
©
Joyce Powell
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