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 Persistence despite the Odds
In this edition we are looking at the man Noah who held on to his dream despite the odds. The story of Noah and the building of the ark can be found in the book of Genesis chapters 6 and 7. In the midst of a perverse generation, Noah found grace in the eyes of God and heard His voice telling him to build the ark. We are also living in times of serious moral decadence and there are lessons to be learnt from Noah's experience.
Given that Noah lived in desert-like conditions, you can imagine the jeers and taunts from his neighbours when he started constructing the massive boat in a place that had never seen rain let alone experience flooding. What do you do when you experience some opposition or challenges in doing something that you believe in? Do you give up or do you press on. Remember, ‘quitters never win and winners never quit'. Noah dared to be different in his generation. You may not get support from everyone for your dream or vision but it is essential to hold on to what you believe God has placed in your heart.
Although the whole world may not believe in your dream, it is very important that you live what you believe as there are still some people looking up to you. Quite a number of lives depend on what you do. Noah was able to save his entire family (including his daughters-in-law!). This shows that his life was worthy of emulation. Those closest to him must have seen him live what he preached. Noah had integrity. Can we say the same of ourselves? We should ask ourselves: What will my husband/wife/children testify honestly about me?
If you profess to be a Christian, do you hear the voice of God? And if you do, do you obey both His spoken and written instructions. You cannot know the voice of a person you do not have a relationship with. Noah received and followed specific instructions from God. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:7 that “…Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear , prepared an ark for the saving of his household…” (Italics mine).
Noah was 500 years old when we are first introduced to him (Genesis 5:32) and he was 600 years old by the time “the floodwaters were on the earth” (Genesis 7:6). It took faith and patience to build the ark and expect the flood. The Bible tells us that we have need of patience. What are you expecting? Don't lose hope. Hang on – it shall surely come to pass.
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