Topic: Obedience/Discipleship, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust
Wouldn't it be nice if God just handed you the instructions for your life and said, "Go for it"? We'd like to think so. Especially when we read the story of Noah and think he had it easy because God so clearly told him what to do.
What Does God Say?
Noah's story begins in Genesis 6 when God points him out as a righteous man living in a corrupt world. The divine instructions begin in Genesis 6:13-14, "And God said to Noah, 'I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood" (ESV). And then He went into detail on building the first boat.
In the next three chapters, you'll find God gave Noah instructions at least four more times, each time adding the next step. And according to Genesis 6:22 and 7:5, Noah did everything just as God commanded--even up to the very moment he stepped onto dry land again (Genesis 8:15-16).
Noah shows us it's important to listen when God instructs us and to obey at the right time. If Noah had chosen to do his own thing and leave the ark before God said so, he'd have been stuck in the mud or even drowned. He heard from God, then acted accordingly.
Through the rest of Genesis, you'll find others, like Abraham and Jacob, who received specific instructions from God. When they did what God said, things worked out better than when they did their own thing. Their lives reflected three attitudes:
- Trust--that God knows what's best,
- Belief--that obedience is the best way to operate,
- Confidence--that God is with you through it all.
My Thoughts
If you're thinking, Noah had it easy because God was direct and specific, look at how we find God's instructions today. You know what I'm going to say: God put His Word, the Bible, into our hands--and it's all we need. In Psalm 32:8, He says,
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you." (ESV)
These verses have a few of God's instructions. Jot down your findings.
Deuteronomy 30:16
Joshua 1:7-9
Matthew 22:36-38
Colossians 3:12-17
Use a concordance, study Bible or commentary to help you find more of God's instructions for you.
My Part
So, what are you looking for today? A plan that has your name on it, spelling out everything you're supposed to do between here and the end of your life? Or are you looking at God's Word regularly to see how He wants you to live? Sometimes that's really the harder task. For example, instead of asking if God wants you to change jobs, ask Him to help you to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23, NIV).
There's enough instruction in the Bible to keep you busy forever. Start reading God's Word and see how He wants you to follow Him. Some details--like where and when--He engineers as you seek Him first. Remember to ask yourself:
- Do I trust that God knows what's best?
- Do I believe that obedience is the best way to operate?
- Am I confident that God is with me, no matter what?
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