This past Sunday, my son had a Bible lesson in the children’s ministry on Noah’s Ark. I have read the chapter in the Holy Bible many times, but a different message was brought to me this time. Isn’t God amazing! We can read a verse at different times and gain a new message at any point. If you have not read about Noah, you can find the chapters in the Holy Bible in Genesis 6-9.
As the commentator spoke about Noah sending out a dove to see if there was dry land after being in the ark for forty days (Genesis 8: 6-9), due to the flood God sent on the earth because He saw how wicked the human race had become (Genesis 6:5), she strategically accounted the timeline, which got my attention.
God is the creator of marriage and family. Did you notice He told Noah in Genesis 6:18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.
God kept the family together. Therefore, be mindful of this verse, Mark 10:9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. It is not wise to sow discord in someone’s marriage to cause separation. There is a covenant there with God.
After being in the ark with clean and unclean animals, all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds (Genesis 8:18-19), and Noah’s family for over a year, they were finally able to leave the ark. Immediately, what hit home for me, as I listened to the recounting of the timeline, was God could have made it a shorter period if it was His Will. But Noah and his family had to WAIT.
It was a process. Have you heard the saying “Enjoy the process?” Well, here it is again. WAITING is something a lot of us dread doing. But it is necessary. If you visualize it, how many of us would have been in the ark asking God to clear up the water faster so we could get out?
The scripture does not mention Noah asking God, “When are we going to get out of here?” “How much longer do we have to endure this?” “When is this going to be over?”
What I did read was Noah’s obedience to God. He LISTENED and built the ark according to God’s dimensions; He followed THE PROCESS of sending out the birds to see when the water had receded and then Noah LISTENED to God’s voice when He told them to come out of the ark (Genesis 8:15). Instead of dreading it, I bet Noah was Thankful to be among the selected to survive the flood.
Are you thankful today, even though your situation has not yet changed?
It is “the process” that is hard for some of us to sit through. Our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. He knows the right time to deliver you, bring you out, or move you to the next stage. This is where I realized there is something in the waiting. Do not miss it rushing to get to your desired ending. God has not forgotten about you and your situation. It doesn’t matter if it has been 10 years or more. The Holy Bible says in Genesis 8:1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. God didn’t forget about Noah in the ark. And He hasn’t forgotten about you. God has a plan for you even in the waiting room. “What is it?” you may ask. Well, have you asked God?
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. I encourage you to talk with your heavenly Father today. He has a plan for your life, and it is to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Do not miss it rushing the process. There is something in the waiting. I welcome you to read my blog on In the Middle, which pertains to what you can do when you’re in a waiting period.
I cannot conclude this message without thanking God for His covenant with every living creature on earth to not destroy all life by the waters of a flood again (Genesis 9:11). God set his rainbow in the sky that reminds us of His covenant (Genesis 9:13). Whenever I see a rainbow, thankfulness enters my heart. ❤ If we can be honest, people are still living in ways that are not pleasing to God, just like back then but thank God for His Son, Jesus Christ. We have salvation through Him. Praise God!
I pray this message encourages your heart today. You are not alone. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is with you.
If you are not saved today, then I encourage you to visit my Salvation Prayer page. Welcome Jesus Christ in your heart today. You will not thirst again. He will give you living water. (John 4:10) Praise God!
Love you all in Christ, 💞
Ayesha L. Shoulders
I Surrender 2 Jesus 