As I write these words, it is day 312 of lockdown in the UK due to Covid-19. Here are some of my reflections..
"It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see..." Hebrews 11:7 (GNT)
✔️Noah and his family lived through a global crisis - it was unprecedented. Yes, the flood was unprecedented - but so was the grace of God. Noah received grace to build an ark, protect his family as well as a pair of every living creature. He also stored up food for everyone on the ark! How did one man accomplish all that? Unprecedented challenges don't come our way without unprecedented grace.
✔️Noah and his family spent 371 days, locked inside the ark. They didn't have access to Netflix, takeaways, Joe Wix or the pleasure of taking a walk outdoors for exercise. Surely, if it was faith that led to life in the ark, it should have been a bit more exciting than a complete lockdown? Faith may not bring you Netflix - but it will bring you Jesus and it will bring you joy. "The Lord himself is my inheritance, my prize. He is my food and drink, my highest joy!" Ps 16:5(TLB)
✔️It is written that God shut the door of the ark prior to the flood. It is interesting that it is not written that God opened the door after the flood subsided. God simply commands them to - go out- be fruitful, multiply. In other words, the focus is not on the door, but on the mission. A 'closed door' season can often lead to a 'closed door' mindset. Don't allow yesterdays experiences to spoil today's opportunities. Let us be 'open door' people with an 'open door' mindset.
✔️It took 3 years to build the Titanic. I wonder how long it took for Noah to build his ark? What did it cost him? The blood, sweat and tears? As Noah exits the ark, God starts speaking to him. Not a single mention of the ark. However, there's 8 different mentions of His covenant. My love and service for God will always pale in comparison to His love and service for me. My works stand next His like a candle to the sun. May His story be greater than our stories.
"He was supreme in the beginning.... He is supreme in the end" Col 1:18(MSG)
If you're interested in reading more of my reflections on Covid-19, please click here.