Stories of Faith

Their meaning and what anyone can learn from them starting with Noah

I will be writing about some biblical stories of faith, their meaning and what anyone can learn from them to live in this challenging world.

The Bible is full of accounts of people who demonstrated remarkable faith in God in the face of great adversity.

Their examples are as relevant today as ever, as we all face trials and challenges that require strong faith.

I will be starting with the story of Noah.

God told Noah to build an ark because He was going to flood the earth. Noah built the ark and his family and the animals went into the ark. It rained for 40 days and nights and the entire earth was flooded. Only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark survived.

Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood.'" (Genesis 6:13-14)

"And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided." (Genesis 8:1)

"Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done." (Genesis 8:20-21)

Significance- Even after massive destruction, God can bring new life and new beginnings.

Noah lived in a time when people had become utterly wicked, violent and corrupt. Yet Noah was a righteous man who found favor with God. When God told Noah He was going to destroy the world with a flood because of its wickedness, Noah faithfully obeyed God’s command to build a massive ark to save his family and the animals.

For years, Noah endured the ridicule and doubt of his neighbours as he constructed the huge boat on dry land. But Noah’s steadfast obedience, based on his trust in God’s word, condemned the unbelief of the world around him and resulted in salvation.

Noah’s story teaches us the importance of clinging to faith in God and obedience to Him even when everything around us seems to oppose it.

Though the times we live in may be godless, we can find grace and favour with God as we trust Him. building our lives on the foundation of His truth. If we faithfully obey God’s word, we too can experience salvation and refuge from the storms of judgment coming upon the earth.

As we live in these challenging last days, Noah’s example calls us to persevere in righteousness and holy living by faith in God. Those who put their trust in the Lord, as Noah did, will not be put to shame.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for being the God of salvation. Just as You saved righteous Noah and his family from the floodwaters, we know You save all those who put their faith in You.

Lord, in our times of judgment and reproach, give us Noah’s strong faith to obey Your voice above all others. Help us walk in righteousness when the world around us lives in evil. Give us persevering obedience to carry out the work You call us to, Lord. Build our lives into an ark of refuge for others to find hope in You.

Thank You for Your promise to make all things new. We pray the new life we have in Christ will shine like a beacon to others. Thank You for bringing us Your salvation that is greater than any floodwaters we face. We love You and praise You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.