Daily Devotionals for Women - Today's Encouraging Word from Scripture

TAKING SHORTCUTS

And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him. Genesis 7:5

This is such a short verse in the entire dramatic account of Noah. One could almost miss it. Noah did every single thing that the Lord had commanded him.

It’s not like God told him to do just one thing either. It had been 120 years of detailed instructions. He didn’t deviate at all from the blueprint God gave him. He didn’t take shortcuts when something got hard. Who had ever built an ark, or a ship of any kind? There were no people to call on for advice. His onlookers were only scoffers. When stumped, Noah had God and the collective input of his family to figure things out. That’s it.

When it was time to make room for the animals, he did exactly what God said to do. And, he took each step when God said to take it. I’m one who can easily think, “I’m tired. I’ll obey but I’ll do that tomorrow. One day shouldn’t make a difference!” I don’t see anywhere in this story that Noah rationalized and/or procrastinated.

I probably won’t live 120 years. I’m not even half as old as it took Noah to build the ark. In the span of time that encompassed his building of the ark, he did every single thing God asked. In the span of time I have lived so far, I have failed to do MUCH of what God has told me to do. I am absolutely struck by the stark comparison.

I think of how many times I have sensed God asking me to do something and I’ve responded, “Really, Lord? Am I hearing you right?” I had such an instance last week when God was leading me to do something in the ministry that seemed a bit reckless. I really questioned it, obeyed, and it has been so blessed.

At the end of my life, I pray it will be said that I followed God, though it has taken time for me to get it right. As I understand more clearly why Noah is in the ‘hallmark of faith’ chapter in the Bible (Hebrews 11), I am deeply convicted, inspired, and encouraged by his example.

What can I say? Though some might say I’m being too hard on myself, I don’t believe I’m being hard enough. I vow to do better and give you instant, and exact, obedience. Amen.

For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org