DEVOTION// Can you figure it out?
Wanna build a boat?
I've never considered the logistics of Noah's work on the ark as much as I have the last week. We're installing an ark on our playground. Have you seen the "real life-size" ark in Tennessee? Ours is tiny — only 22 feet by 8 feet by 10 feet.
Building our “ark kit”
Noah built God's ark from scratch — ours came as an "ark kit"! That's right! Pre-assembled parts! All we needed to do was put those parts together. Seems simple enough, except...
When our kit arrived, I looked for the instructions. No plans or diagrams. I contacted the company. Their reply: "Sorry, we don't have instructions — but I can send you the instructions for our Pirate Ship. They are kind of the same. I'm sure you can figure it out."
I'm sure you can figure it out.
Aren't we glad that our Lord's instructions aren't, "I'm sure you can figure it out." God gave Noah very specific instructions. The same is true for Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, and the list goes on. He gave his New Testament people — us — specific instructions. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). Yes, God had a plan that was fulfilled in his son Jesus.
So many in this world are trying to figure things out without proper instructions. Not good. Without God's instructions, people turn his rescue boat into a pirate ship. While pirate life might look fun in the movies, piracy comes with a death sentence.
God’s plans
The passage that comes to mind is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Comforting words — even in the trials and challenges of life. Words of hope that millions need to hear.
Check out these passages for more about God's plans.
Our loving Lord has great plans for us. It is not something you have to "figure out on your own." 316NOW is dedicated to following those instructions and being part of God's plan. Help us at 316NOW to share the good news of God's plan with the world.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for your wonderful plans for those who follow you. While some seek to figure it out for themselves, help us to witness that there is a better way — your way. Let the light of Jesus shine in this dark world. Amen.