Divine Instructions Don’t Usually Make Natural Sense (Bible Study)
While studying Hebrews chapter 11 the other day, I came across this verse and paused to ponder over it: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Hebrews 11:7.
On the surface that scripture may not make sense, but when you dive deeper you will discover that serving God sometimes entails taking steps that may be considered stupid by the people around you.
God gave Noah an architectural masterplan to build an ark (Genesis 6:13-22). But how can Noah build a ship on a dry ground? How can Noah build a ship at a location that was far from the ocean? How can Noah build what he didn’t even know when it will be in use?
Ships are built in a shipyard (or dockyard) and it is usually near the seashore. In fact, the biggest shipyard in the world is Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, which is responsible for building industrial models like container ships, oil tankers and naval vessels. STX Europe, Meyer Werft and Fincantieri are the main builders of cruise ships.
But here was God telling Noah to build a ship on a dry ground. If Noah had reasoned that instruction with human understanding, he wouldn’t have dared to build it. It doesn’t make common sense. In fact, it doesn’t make sense at all. And to compound the problem, the builder (Noah) did not know when the User (God) would use the ark. All he did was to go to the site every morning and kept building for many years.
Just imagine what Noah’s contemporaries said while he was building the ark. I believe that some people mocked him, others made jest of him. If it is now, his relatives would have taken him to a seer to ascertain whether he was under satanic attack. But Noah ignored the naysayers and kept working on the project.
In fact, Jesus gave us an idea of what Noah’s contemporaries were doing while he was building the Ark: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26-27.
Was Noah vindicated? Of course, yes. He was vindicated in a big way. God announced to those who mocked Noah that he was not mad after all. In fact, those who mocked him were not alive to tell the story:
“On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark— they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.” Genesis 7:13-17.
What do you think gave Noah the courage to embark on the project? The writer of Hebrews opined: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household…” Hebrews 11:7.
Noah had complete confidence in God. Although he did not have the full details, nevertheless, he stepped out by faith. That is how to work with God.
Obey God and Stop Listening to Bystanders
Is there any assignment God instructed you to carry out recently? Is there anything God wants you to do in the Kingdom and you’re hesitating because of what people will say? The easiest way to disobey God is to place value on the tantrum of bystanders.
God cannot give you an assignment and abandon you. To see His manifestation, you must carry out His instructions. He sent Moses to Pharaoh and backed him up. The Caller is the Sustainer. If God told you to do something don’t be afraid of stepping out. Have complete confidence in Him and you will not fail.
In my book, Wonders of Faith, I shared this life transforming story as curated by Bill Winston. “There was a preacher named E. V. Hill, who grew up very poor in Texas during the Depression. One of the major reasons he succeeded was that his mother understood the power of the law of confession. In an era when most black families in the South could not afford to send their children to school, she was determined that E. V., who was her oldest boy, would get an education.
The deacons at her church kept telling her he was a big boy and should be helping her in the field and with the younger children, but Mrs. Hill would not hear any of that. She would say again and again, “My boy is going to school.”
E.V graduated from the eighth grade in a one-room schoolhouse, first in his class. (He always mentioned that he was the only one in his class!). He went on to high school and again graduated first (and only) in his class. Then he was accepted at Prairie View A&M University.
September finally came, and it was time for him to go to college. Mama wrapped his cardboard suitcases with twine to hold them together and gave E. V. a paper bag with some fish sandwiches. They were so oily, he had to hold the bottom of the bag to keep them from falling out. Before he boarded the bus, Mama gave him all the money she had – $17.98. She said, “Son, this is all Mama got, but I will be praying for you.”
When E. V. got to school he signed up for his courses, but then he had to pay for them. He only had about five dollars left, and the school didn’t take credit cards in those days, even if he had one. But he got in the cashier’s line just as if he had the money to pay his bill. The devil was telling him in one ear, “Get out of line, you fool. You are making a fool of yourself.” In the other ear, he heard Mama saying, “I’ll be praying for you. My son is going to school.”
E.V. chose not to be afraid but trust God, because he knew it was God’s will for him to be in school. He kept moving up in line and the devil kept taunting him, trying to bring doubt and unbelief. E. V. kept putting down those doubts, resisting the devil, and believing God instead.
When he was one person away from the cashier’s cage, a big man he had never seen came up to him and said, “Excuse me, are you Hill?” He answered, “Well Sir, my Mama said….” But the man interrupted him and asked again, “Are you E. V. Hill?” He nodded. “Get out of the line.”
E.V.’s head dropped, and he fought the fear that he was about to be sent home. He followed the man to a corner of the room and watched as he opened a portfolio. Then he said, “Hill, I don’t know what’s happening here, but I’ve got a four-year scholarship for you. Got all your books paid for and a monthly stipend.” He wasn’t supposed to be in line because God had already taken care of everything.
Because of his Mama’s confession that her son was going to school, money came. And her son became one of the most respected preachers and Christian leaders of our time. No one who knew or heard E. V. Hill will ever forget him because he understood the power of speaking God’s Word and will. You couldn’t be around him without hearing something that would change your life. He was a man who learned early on how to overcome fear by standing on God’s Word and keeping your faith.”
It is possible that you are believing God for a particular miracle, but it seems nothing is happening. My advice is don’t give you. It took over one hundred years for Noah’s Ark to be used. He waited patiently knowing that God cannot lie. Receive your miracles right now in Jesus matchless name!
If you want to recieve Jesus into your heart, say this short prayer and believe it from your heart. Lord Jesus, I belive that you died to rescue me from damnation. Come into my heart and save me. I declare today that You are my Lord and personal Saviour. I am saved. I am born again. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
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This is so true and inspiring Sir.. positive confession backed up with faith (action without assurance) Brigs about positive and desired outcome! More Grace dear Sir.