Having a detailed plan and clear instructions were necessary to build the Ark. But was even more important was believing God and getting started.
Even though Noah had no clear idea of the task he was undertaking, no one could counsel him. But God did not leave him without a plan and precise instructions.
God gave him a plan and precise instructions
« 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 16 Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle, and upper decks.». (Genesis 6.16-18)
The specialists in marine navigations say that these dimensions (450 x 75 x 45 feet) were ideal for stability during the worst storms.
There was a lot of work to do and mobilized all his resources for years. According to tradition, he had to plant the trees and wait for them to grow before he could cut the boards.
What a thankless task while others were enjoying life!
He could have gotten discouraged. For the signs of the coming flood were still not on the horizon. (Fortunately for him!)
God withholds the accomplishment of His Word until his people are ready.
The remarkable part is that « Noah did everything just as God had commanded him ». (Genesis 6.22)
Faith is a jump into the unknown (for us). But that does not mean that the future is unknown to God.
Isaiah 46:10 I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please’.
The impala won’t dare jump unless he can see where his feet will land!
Are we not often like the impala? We want to know where we will land even before daring the “leap of faith”
We want a plan for the next steps before getting started. But faith doesn’t work that way.
You don’t only need a plan. You need to get started
God never reveals the second step before we have finished (or while we are committed to) the first step. We want a guarantee that we will not fail. But even if we are not quite on track, we can correct our path as we go.
If you decide to go from New York to Tampa Bay, Florida even if you have foggy weather or a snowstorm and you can’t see more than 50 or 100 feet ahead, it doesn’t matter. You have your map or GPS to guide you. And we know where we are going.
When the first 100 yards are done the next 100 will reveal themselves. In fact, during 99.9% of the trip, you will not see your destination. If you want to know everything that will happen during the trip before getting started, it doesn’t work like that. If a problem arises, you will solve it as you go. And there are lots of people to help if the car breaks down. And there is no doubt you will make it to Tampa Bay. Tampa is not going anywhere.
Do we have more confidence in our GPS than in the Word of God?
It is true that the firm conviction the Word gives you comes to those who study it with diligence.
So, get rid of your inertia! You will know if it is true when you put it into practice. Only, please check if the road you want to take is compatible with what the Word teaches…
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Do you want to please God? Be like Noah. Obey the light you have now, follow the plan, and everything will become clearer to you as you go along.
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(Day 11) What a crazy idea to build an Ark
(Day 13) Need some order in the Chaos?
