August 13, 2022

Genesis 6: 14 (NIV)

“So build yourself an ark . . .”

Rather than enjoying the present, we are constantly searching for what God has in store for us next.*

For all that Noah’s task was a daunting and time-consuming one, we might find ourselves envious that at least he knew what God wanted him to do. How much of our prayer life is dedicated to asking God to show us his will? Have we made it harder than it has to be? Speaking for myself, the answer is YES!

After I lost my job, I was constantly appealing to God to show me what he wanted me to do next. I wasn’t tuned in to his answer right away but I began to realize that instead of obsessing over what I should do next, I should be thankful for – and reveling in – the gift of time. For the first time in 30 years, my time was my own – and clearly that was God’s will for my life at that time. So I began trying to use my time more productively – I got all my old pictures scanned and indexed; I was free to say “yes” to volunteer opportunities; I was more available for my family; and I began to write. And I started to hear what God was telling me: Decide what you want to do.

It was hard to admit – even to God – what I really wanted to do: Write. Long story short: I wrote a year’s worth of daily devotions. Now what, God? Rather than submit my work for publication (and for money), I posted a blog every day. I have now completed three years' worth of daily devotions and I'm working on a fourth. I have posted and reposted for eight years. I don’t think I have a lot of readers but when someone says to me, “Your post was exactly what I needed today,” I know that God has answered my prayers to glorify him and bless others with my words.

So God told Noah to build an ark. What he has asked me to build is more like Huck Finn’s raft. But Noah’s big old ocean liner was built for the sake of only eight people (and a bunch of animals!) – though ultimately for all mankind. God can make our small efforts pay off in big ways.

What is God asking you to build? What would you like to build?

God wants to use people where he has gifted them. And sometimes, he has to prepare us first before moving to the next step.*