Faith in the Unseen

In a world filled with chaos and corruption, one man's unwavering faith stood as a beacon of hope. The story of Noah is not just a tale of a great flood, but a profound lesson in trusting God even when His commands seem impossible or incomprehensible.

Imagine being told that the world as you know it is about to end. Not just your neighborhood or country, but the entire earth. And you're tasked with building a massive boat, despite never having seen rain or experienced a flood. This was Noah's reality.

The Bible describes Noah as "a righteous man, blameless in his generation." But what does it mean to be blameless? It's not about perfection, but about faith. Hebrews 11:7 illuminates this: "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household."

Noah's faith wasn't just belief; it was action. When God commanded him to build an ark, Noah didn't question or hesitate. He simply obeyed. This obedience came in the face of what must have seemed like an absurd request. No rain had ever fallen, yet he was to construct a massive vessel to survive a worldwide flood.

This brings us to a crucial question: What is faith? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as "complete trust or confidence in someone or something." But the Bible offers a deeper perspective in Hebrews 11:1,

Noah exemplified this definition. He had assurance in God's promise and conviction in a future he couldn't yet see or understand. His faith wasn't just personal; it was contagious. The Bible mentions Noah's three sons - Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Their inclusion in the ark suggests that Noah's faith influenced his family, reminding us of the impact our own faith can have on those around us.

The world Noah lived in was described as corrupt and filled with violence. God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. This raises challenging questions about God's nature and His right to judge evil. Why would a loving God allow evil to exist? Why would He choose to destroy the earth?

The Psalmist provides insight: "God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day" (Psalm 7:11). God's righteousness allows Him to judge fairly, but it also allows for human free will, even when that leads to corruption. His judgment is not capricious but stems from His perfect nature.

When God instructed Noah to build the ark, He provided specific dimensions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. Interestingly, modern studies suggest these proportions would create a vessel capable of withstanding rough seas with minimal motion sickness - crucial for the comfort of the animals onboard.

God's instructions went beyond just building the ark. Noah was told to bring two of every living creature, male and female, to keep them alive. He was also instructed to gather food for both his family and the animals. These tasks must have seemed overwhelming, yet Noah's response is summed up simply: "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him."

This obedience in the face of an incomprehensible task is a powerful lesson for us today. How often do we question God's instructions or hesitate when His commands seem difficult or illogical?

The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 2:5, "so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." Noah's faith wasn't based on his own understanding or the opinions of those around him. It was firmly rooted in God's power and promises.

Noah's journey also teaches us about the nature of faith-driven work. God gave Noah a task with real consequences - the survival of his family and the animal kingdom depended on his obedience. This wasn't busy work or a meaningless task; it was a divine mission with eternal significance.

In our own lives, we may sometimes feel like our faith-driven actions are insignificant or pointless. But God doesn't give us busy work. Each task He assigns, no matter how small it may seem, has a purpose in His grand design.

As we reflect on Noah's story, we're challenged to examine our own faith. Are we willing to trust God even when His commands don't make sense to us? Are we ready to obey, even when the task seems impossible? Are we prepared to stand firm in our faith, even when the world around us is corrupt and violent?

Noah's faith wasn't just about believing; it was about doing. He didn't just agree with God's warning; he acted on it. He built the ark, gathered the animals, collected the food - all before seeing a single raindrop.

In our own lives, we may not be called to build an ark, but we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways. This might mean forgiving someone who has hurt us, giving generously even when our own resources seem limited, or standing for truth in a world that often rejects it.

The story of Noah reminds us that faith is not always easy or comfortable. It often requires us to step out into the unknown, to trust God's plan even when we can't see the outcome. But it also reminds us that God is faithful. He doesn't abandon those who trust in Him.

As we navigate our own journeys of faith, let's draw inspiration from Noah's unwavering trust and obedience. Let's be willing to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And let's remember that our faith, like Noah's, has the power to impact not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us and even generations to come.

In a world that often feels as chaotic and corrupt as Noah's, may we be people of faith - not just in word, but in action. May we, like Noah, do all that God commands us, trusting in His wisdom, His power, and His unfailing love.