how to be like Noah during social distancing

Most mornings, I turn to the back of my Bible and look for words that resonate with my current emotions.

weary

waiting

worry

Lots of “w’s.” Hadn’t noticed that before, but these are the words I’ve been studying. I can manage my stress with anxiety pills and sleeping aids but my heart really needs God right now.

Whatever you want God to bless, you put him in the middle of it.

Pastor Mike Josue

That’s where I’m at right now. I need God to be present during this crazy time. I need the reassurance that he is present with me; even though I already know he is.

Today, I tried something different. I did look up “waiting on the Lord” but focused on a person instead of verse. I came across a story of one of God’s greatest people: Noah. How fitting it is to study him right now. While our earth is not flooded with water, it is flooded with a virus. We are not all stranded on a boat, but we are all stranded at home.

Noah occasionally would send out a bird to test the land to see if it was dry. But Noah didn’t get out of the ark until God told him to. He was waiting for God’s timing. God knew that even though the water was gone, the earth was not ready. What patience Noah showed especially after spending an entire year inside his boat! We, like Noah, must trust God to give us patience during this stressful time. (Genesis 8:6-16)

Easier said than done, I know. But if Noah can do it, we can too.

Noah was a man of patience, consistency, and obedience. A lesson we can learn from Noah is that God does not always protect us from trouble, but cares for us in spite of trouble. And don’t forget, obedience is a life long commitment.

Noah did everything, just as God commanded him.

Genesis 6:22

I hope this brings you some hope and peace of mind during this crazy time. We shall overcome, my friends. We shall overcome.

Stay safe.

Love, Jessie