Text: Genesis 6:9-22
Memory verse:
”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 ‭NKJV‬‬

In William James’ words, “Faith means belief in something concerning which doubt is theoretically possible.” It is much easier to believe something which someone has experienced before than that which no one has ever experienced.
According to our text, Noah began to build the ark, and he did everything according to all that he was commanded. Noah lived among unbelievers and was surrounded by an ungodly, lawless, and corrupt generation, yet he stood apart and lived in righteousness. He didn’t allow the dark cloud of his time to cover him. No one can use the excuse of being surrounded by ungodly people to live contrary to the word of God.
According to our memory text, Noah believed when God told him that a great flood was about to engulf the earth. He believed even though he hadn’t seen rain before then. No rain had ever fallen on the face of the earth. Yet, Noah believed what he had never seen.
In addition, despite the fact that Noah couldn’t imagine how flood could cover the earth, yet he still believed God. Noah was many miles away from the nearest ocean, yet he believed God. His heart believed what his mind couldn’t comprehend and imagine. He believed that it was possible for a downpour to produce such a flood that would cover the earth because God had said it. He believed that nothing was impossible with God. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,” Eph 3:20 NIV).
Furthermore, Noah hadn’t ever seen such a gigantic ship anywhere, yet he believed God enough to start and follow God’s instructions to the letter. He didn’t make any variation in the construction and design based on his own thoughts. Though God’s design appeared foolish, yet he adhered to it! (Gen‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬: 1 Cor 2:14‬‬).
More intriguing is that the flood didn’t come immediately. It didn’t appear for over a hundred years later, yet Noah didn’t lose his patience, or did he give up hope. He didn’t question nor doubt what God said. Rather, he kept his position in hoping and in believing. All that happened certainly surprised him, but it was enough for him that God said it.
Friends, if Noah believed God in spite of the odds of his time, we would be inexcusable if we doubt Him in our time.

Prayer points
1. Father, increase my faith so I wouldn’t doubt You in any situation, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, let me never lose my patience and my hope in the midst of the times, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I believe God even when it’s theoretically possible to doubt.
2. I believe that God can do for me exceedingly more than what I can ask or imagine.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng