Genesis 6
Today's Scripture

The story of Noah building the ark is familiar to many. The world was corrupt and evil, yet Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. It must have been difficult for Noah to stand alone against his peers--to walk with God in righteousness when all those around him were caught up in a sinful lifestyle. But Noah followed God, and God rewarded him for his faithfulness.

But Noah's reward did not come easily. He had to build an ark over the course of many decades, and he needed to gather male and female animals to bring into the ark before the flood waters came. He endured the ridicule of his neighbors and even tried to help them see the errors of their ways.

Do we ever face tasks that seem to be ours alone? Others around us may be going a different way, when we are trying to follow God. We may feel persecuted or discouraged in suffering. But God uses our difficulties to strengthen us and bring us closer to him. When we turn to him and his Word, and follow the Holy Spirit's leading, we can withstand the pressures around us. We may not be building an ark, but we can still seek refuge in God through the discipline of taking up our cross daily and seeking his plan for us in all we do.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:54 AM