25 May W4 | Faith that Builds Before the Storm
REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV) | By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
James 2:17 (ESV) | So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Matthew 24:39 (ESV) | and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
OBJECTIVE
To understand that faith can only mature in action.
To acknowledge that God’s empowerment isn’t strictly for our benefit, but inherently mission-driven.
CONTENT
God empowers His people not for personal gain, but for purposeful obedience. Like Noah, we are called to act on our faith, even when unseen, misunderstood, or slow in results.
Building in Obedience
- God assigned Noah to prepare for the new covenant during a corrupt generation (Gen. 6:5). God had chosen Noah because He walked faithfully with Him (Gen. 6:9), as he would continue to do so throughout the mission. Noah responded to the call without precedent or proof of the flood (Gen. 6:22), which demonstrates the kind of faithfulness that yields irregardless of how bleak everything around him seems to be getting.
- Empowerment begins with hearing God clearly and trusting Him fully. Following through even when there’s no applause, no immediate results, and invites misunderstanding from others wasn’t easy. But Noah kept building the ark according to God’s specific instructions in reverent fear until it is finished (Heb. 11:7, 2 Tim. 4:7). Rather than allowing the weeds of doubt to fester during those dry, unseen years, Noah maintained that what we’re building today matters more than public approval.
Impact that Outlives
- Noah certainly wasn’t building for recognition nor for personal comfort. He may not fully understood the long-term impact of the ark either. Yet, he built anyway without harboring any resistance to God’s purpose. Noah and his household was preserved by faith because he sought to act on God’s promises rather than saving himself (Luke 17:33). Hence, the Lord guards his course and protects his family way after the storm (Prov. 2:8).
- Noah’s life is a witness that continues to affect many lives today. Finishing the ark was a courageous act on what God has spoken, even when he didn’t get to see the outcome (but we do!). Had Noah numbed himself with preoccupations of daily life during the assignment, the great flood would’ve swept humanity in its entirety, and Jesus wouldn’t have come (James 2:17).
- Since faith without works is empty, let us partake in the faith with His mission in mind. Getting involved in the body of Christ will certainly create a ripple effect that reverberates for generations to come.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Noah built the ark before the flood came. What “ark” might God be asking you to build right now?
- Noah’s obedience likely took years without applause or visible results. Why is long-term faithfulness so difficult? How do you stay encouraged throughout the seasons?
- For couples: How can your relationship serve God’s mission beyond just your own happiness?
REFERENCES