AFTER THE STORM THE REFLECTS THE PROMISE:  

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family” (Hebrews 11:7)

The age-old story of Noah, building an ark, is a chronicle of God’s plan, purpose, provision, and promise. 

God’s original plan was indescribably altered by a single act of disobedience, Adam’s. Humans, left to their own disposition, created an environment of chaos and destruction, so devastating… God simply reached a place of determinate action. “The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled” (Genesis 6:6). 

I am struck with the consideration of God’s sense of regret and troubled heart. Yet, God remained true to His vow by re-working His plan to ultimately fulfill a greater purpose. God’s creation of man was renewed from a genesis of Adam, to a fresh start using the personage of Noah. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).

We may discover our previous lifetime dreams are thwarted by either the consequence of our own actions, or perhaps due to a force beyond our control. It should be no surprise to experience times of regret and trouble hearts, for we are made in His image.

Could it be that we become unsettled and fearful when our carefully laid-out plans are in need of re-direction? Has the circumstance left us no recourse except to re-construct on a new foundation?  Following the example of our Maker, we too must be willing to return to the drawing board and remake the plan.  We are driven to re-design a future that may be far different than we could have ever conceived by our own imaginations.

Noah was confronted with instruction to build a future that required taking steps of obedience beyond his ability to envision or understand. Noah’s action, rooted in faith, was based on a future he was incapable of comprehending.  What possible purpose would there be for Noah to build a floating zoo, miles from any existing body of water, and never having experienced water falling from the heavens in the form of rain?

By faith, Noah built an ark. Noah could not see God’s purpose or plan, he could only be faithful to walk out the steps in obedience. The reward was to have found favor in the eyes of God and a future existence for his family.

By an oath, God declared his promise: ^“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13).  God’s promise was not given to Noah in advance of the impending storm, but a sign of remembrance. 

From this side of the storm, we are not able to see the rainbow. It is only after the storm has past the sun reflects the promise of God’s purpose and handiwork.

The lyrics penned by Ira Stanphill (1950) embrace the truth of the promise….

“Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.”