By: Gwen Hitt

Heroes of the Bible Series 

Day 4: Noah

I WILL Build Your Boat

Hebrews 11:7  It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before.

When my daughter offered to assist me in continuing to write daily messages after my dear friend Connie (the inspiration behind the Constant Friend Devotions) had gone on to be with the Lord, I was hesitant. Why should I continue writing messages when Connie no longer needed them? After all, she was now in Heaven.

The answer to that question was revealed to me on Christmas night when my family shared three pages of comments from individuals who had been receiving and were touched by Connie's messages. When I read these comments, I knew that God wanted us to continue writing devotions. Although we didn't know where this would lead, we prepared for what God wanted us to do. Those preparations resulted in a "flood" of nearly 700 people receiving these devotions as of today.

Today's scripture speaks of a righteous man who responded to God's command to build a boat in preparation for a different flood. This devastating flood would destroy every living thing on earth due to a society that had been overtaken by sin. Despite the moral decay that surrounded him, he faithfully followed God's directives and built the boat according to the blueprints that God had provided. According to Bible scholars, 120 years passed between the time God revealed His plan to Noah and the time that the boat was built and the flood waters ravaged the earth.

During this time, Noah stayed firm in his faith in God no matter what he endured. Can you imagine the ridicule from his neighbors and even his family as he worked on this massive ark and tried to convince everyone of the flood that was to come? They had never even seen rain before!

My challenge to you today is to follow the example of Noah and never allow fear of the unknown or the opinions of others to deter you from God's divine plan for your life! And remember - in the beginning - even if there are only a few who will join you on the boat, stay faithful to His call. He will pour out His blessings on you.

Dear Lord, Genesis 6:22 tells us that "Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him." My greatest desire is to be like Noah in his faithfulness and obedience in doing everything You commanded him to do.

I thank You, my 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.