A prayer to remember the extraordinary impact of ordinary faithfulness
Posted by: Laura Bailey
Bible reading:
“Noah did everything as God commanded him.” – Genesis 6:22 (NIV)
Listen or read below:
Have you ever wondered if your daily faithfulness is actually making a difference in God’s kingdom?
You have been teaching Bible studies at church for the past five years, and you have yet to see anyone come to Christ.
You promised to pray with your kids every night before bed, but most nights you wonder if they’re even listening.
You spend time each week sending cards, texts, and messages inviting people to church, but no one joins the congregation.
Friend, I understand. We may want to question the impact of our daily faithfulness, especially when we feel like our efforts are in vain. We have said yes to God, and our hearts are willing to wholeheartedly surrender and submit to His plan. But we must remember. The obedience is ours and the result is God’s.
Many of us are familiar with the story of Noah and the Ark. God tells Noah that because of man’s wickedness, he is going to cause a flood to completely destroy mankind. However, because of Noah’s righteousness and faithful walk with the Lord, God will forgive Noah and his family. However, there is one thing. God promised to protect Noah’s family from destruction, but first Noah had to build an ark and gather animals.
Having heard this story so many times in my childhood, I tended to focus more on God’s protection of Noah and His future promise not to flood the whole earth again. While these are important points, we should not ignore the severity of God’s sentence to mankind and Noah’s obedience to God’s commands. Consider the interaction between God and Noah. Noah lived among people and was aware of the evil around him. But if he had heard that God was going to destroy humanity, he would have been overwhelmed. God asked him to do something radical: build a ship to protect them from future floods. In Noah’s current situation, it would have been natural for him to question and doubt God. However, Noah did not hesitate and “did everything as God had commanded him” (Genesis 6:22).
Noah and his family were protected during the flood and commanded to be fruitful and multiply on the earth (Genesis 7:15-17). You and I are products of Noah’s faithfulness. Do you know who else is out there? Jesus. Jesus Christ comes from the line of Noah (Genesis 11 and Matthew 1). Noah did not know that by saying “yes” to God, he would be fulfilling God’s promise to send a Savior to the earth (Genesis 3:15). For Noah, his faithfulness was part of his daily choice to trust God and follow Him without question.
During Noah’s lifetime, his ordinary faithfulness had no special impact, but centuries later we experience the blessing of a man’s “yes” to God. Considering that my life is the result of one man’s faithfulness (after all these centuries) encourages me to follow God even when I don’t see immediate or earthly results. We know that God is always working all things for His glory and our good. But, like Noah, we must choose to trust God and remain faithful to what He has commanded us to do each day. Remember Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:24. “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, when you ask us for something, may we respond without hesitation and complete obedience, like Noah. Dedicate your heart to your work and believe that you are in control of the outcome. Remember the words of Hebrews 11:7. “When Noah was warned of things not yet seen, in holy fear he built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness according to faith.”
Lord, why don’t we search our hearts and ask? “What are you calling us to step out in faith and do for your kingdom?” May we align ourselves with the Holy Spirit and say “yes” to your leading, even when others may not support or understand. Like Noah, may we also walk in righteousness with You.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Share your thoughts on today’s devotion in the Daily Prayer discussion in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Debbie Hudson
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply Biblical truth to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes can help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and abundant lives today.
She lives in upstate South Carolina with her husband and three girls and is the director of women’s ministry at her church. Her passion is teaching women the Bible and empowering them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
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