READ GENESIS 7
This chapter continues from where the previous one left off. The ark that Noah devoted countless days to constructing has been completed, and it is now time for him and his family to enter the ark. What unfolds next is deeply profound and somber for us to read. The rains commence, and all of creation, except for Noah and his family, is wiped out. The widespread and unrepentant sin in the world has brought God to the point where He determines that it is time to begin anew, and He chooses to use the one righteous man remaining to accomplish this.
Verse 5 reveals everything we need to know about Noah: And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. Throughout the entire process, despite facing mockery from those around him, Noah dutifully worked and constructed the ark because that was the task assigned to him by God. Have you ever found yourself undertaking something you believed God had called you to do, but over time, you began to doubt yourself? It is plausible to assume that Noah experienced similar doubts as he awaited the arrival of the rains. However, God kept His promise, and, because of Noah's faithfulness, God preserved him and his entire family.
As elaborated in Genesis 3, we continue to grapple with the consequences of sin in our surroundings. When we observe our environment, we witness an abundance of wickedness. Simply watch the evening news for a short time, and you will see a world where people self-indulge without recognizing the God who created it all. The burden of this reality can sometimes lead us to feel despair. Nonetheless, there is hope! The same God who safeguarded Noah and his family due to their faithfulness still reigns on His throne today. If we, like Noah, adhere to all that the Lord instructs us to do (even amidst the resistance and opposition we encounter), we can lead our lives with the same assurance and courage as Noah did.
QUESTIONS
1. Have you faced mockery or resistance while striving to remain true to what God has asked of you? How did that situation feel?
2. Have you doubted yourself after receiving a calling from God? How did God show His faithfulness during those moments?
3. What is it that God is prompting you to do but you have been reluctant to pursue? How do you define faithfulness in this particular circumstance?