Friday, February 1, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

The Waters WILL Go Down

Genesis 8:11 This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were ALMOST gone.

Noah's Ark has become a precious theme for nurseries, and many wonderful pieces of art have been created to depict pairs of animals entering the massive ark.

While this story is a beautiful representation of God's provision and protection for those who are obedient to Him, I often wonder how Noah felt during the time on the ark. Let's start with the day he walked on to that boat! I am sure he was battling with some serious rejection. People thought that he was a complete fool for building an ark since it had NEVER rained in their lifetimes.

Then, once it began to flood, I am also sure he was filled with grief over lost family members--brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, neighbors--all who refused to get on the ark. In addition to his mourning, he had to care for THOUSANDS of animals. Can you imagine the stench, the noise, the clean-up?!?

I can envision at night just when he FINALLY turned his mind off and closed his eyes, the lions began to roar and the monkeys began to taunt the elephants who were now blowing their trunks like trumpets! How could he find rest and peace while trying to remain strong for his family who were probably wondering "when will this all be over and will we really survive?"

The rains eventually stopped but the waiting then began! Noah sent out a raven and then a dove in an attempt to see if there was ANY dry land. Today's verse says that the dove returned with an olive leaf signaling to Noah that the floodwaters were ALMOST gone. It wasn't okay just yet, but it was GOING to be okay.

Have you ever been there? Can you see yourself in any of Noah's emotions--grief, fear, restlessness, rejection--all while trying to be your families' rock?

My encouragement to you today is simple and while it may seem trite, IT'S TRUE! You may not feel like everything is okay today, but it's GOING to be okay. Today's devotion is your "olive leaf," your reminder that YOUR waters WILL go down, and you WILL walk on dry land once again.  In the meantime, hold on and trust God.  With Him, ALL things are possible. 

Dear Lord, I thank You that You are moving on my behalf and that although my situation may seem hopeless now, You have great plans for me in all of it.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.