BUILD AN ARK

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Noah did everything just as God commanded him.  Genesis 6:22

My family and I just watched the movie “Evan Almighty”.  Evan was depicted as a modern-day Noah whom God had instructed to build an ark during a drought.  He provided the land, the materials, and the tools necessary including an “Ark Building for Dummies” book.  Evan was ridiculed by the townspeople, his coworkers, and even his family questioned his sanity.  Despite opposition, Evan was committed and continued building.

It was an inspiring story, which made me realize that God actually has an ark for each of us to build.  The ark that God calls us to build may not affect the entire world as was the case with Noah, but it is an opportunity to serve and obey Him which will have an impact on the lives of others.

This blog is my ark, which began construction two years ago when God used a spiritual gift test to reveal that He wanted me to begin writing.  During that time, I have experienced many feelings of fear and inadequacy as I began writing devotionals that I felt reluctant to share.  At a recent meeting, God used a casual conversation to guide me to creating this blog.  It has been difficult at times, but I feel a strong need to commit and follow through with the task.

Maybe God has revealed an opportunity for you to serve, but you have been reluctant to start building your ark because it seems impossible to achieve.  When we are serving God, it won’t always be easy.  We can expect opposition anytime we are doing something significant for God, but Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  No job for God is without risk, but we can move forward with the strength and courage He offers.

In the movie, ARK stood for an Act of Random Kindness that changes the world.  You can be assured that if God asks you to build and ark, it will unquestionably be used to further the kingdom of God.  The most important part of building an ark is found is Psalms 37:5, “Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust him, and he will help you.”  What is the ark God is calling you to build, and are you ready to commit to Him?

OUR LIFE MIRROR

For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance.  James 1:23

Imagine for a moment trying to prepare for your day with no mirror.  You’ve applied make-up for years.  You know where everything goes, so you can can easily find where to put the mascara, blush, and lipstick.  It may even feel as if it’s right, but obviously it would not look quite like it should.  Mirrors are a vital tool to make ourselves presentable to the world.

God’s word is the mirror for our lives.  He uses it to show us what needs to be changed about the way we live.  When God’s word reveals an area of our lives that needs attention, we need to take the time and effort to do what it says.  Before going out the door to face the world, we take the time and effort to fix whatever we see in the mirror that needs attention.  Throughout our day, we often stop by a mirror to check our appearance.  We check our teeth to be sure no food has been left behind from meals.  We check our hair to see that each one is in place.  We check our clothing for buttons undone or zippers unzipped.  We look for anything that needs to be corrected.  Even if we are in a rush, we take time to correct whatever is needed.  We would never walk away knowing that something should be done.  In the same manner, we should be careful not to turn away from God’s word without fixing what He has shown us need attention.

God’s word should be the mirror for our lives.  “And if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it”  (James 1:25).  If we don’t check our appearance in the mirror, we are assuming that everything is all right.  The bible offers a reflection of how our lives should look  just as our mirror guides us in applying our make-up.  If we don’t spend time reading the bible, our lives will eventually be as messed up as our appearance without a mirror.  Let God’s word be the mirror for your life.  Check it regularly and correct those things that God reveals which need attention.

SHARE YOUR HOPE

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalms 78:4

Karen’s husband had made some decisions in his life that had caused a lot of pain and struggle in their marriage. After a few years, God delivered him from the hold that Satan had on his life. Karen and her husband were both ashamed of the turn their life had taken and did their best to keep it secret.

One day, God brought a family into their lives, which was experiencing the same trial they had. God impressed upon Karen’s heart to share how God had given her strength to stand by her husband and support him through his addictions. She was unaware, but her husband felt the same conviction and had also shared what God had done in his life. Their courage and obedience gave someone else hope at a time when it was needed most.

It is important that we share with others how God has helped us through trials. Oftentimes, it is very difficult to share the deepest pain and frustration of our lives, but it is necessary “so each generation can set its hope anew on God” (Psalms 78:7).

Simply sharing our knowledge with someone having struggles similar to what we have been through will encourage them. We all have a tendency to feel that we are the only one who has ever experienced our current problem, and it is true that no one else has experienced exactly what another has. However, we do often share similar circumstances. Just knowing that someone else has been there, survived, and grew closer to God through it can renew our hope and even our faith in God. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint”. When hope is renewed, strength and courage will follow.

Without people sharing what God has done in their lives, others may not know what God can and will accomplish. They may not know about the hope only He can offer.