Wednesday 12th, 2010
Daily Hope With Rick Warren
GOD Smiles When We Trust
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he
couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. . . . As a result, Noah became intimate with
God. Hebrews 11:7 (MSG)
Imagine this scene: One day God comes to Noah and says, "I'm disappointed in
human beings. In the entire world, no one but you thinks about me. But Noah,
when I look at you, I start smiling. I'm pleased with your life, so I'm going to flood
the world and start over with you and your family. I want you to build a giant ship
that will save you and the animals."
There were three problems that could have caused Noah to doubt:
1. Noah had never seen rain because prior to the flood God irrigated the
earth from the ground up (Genesis 2:5-6).
2. Noah lived hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. Even if he could
learn to build a ship, how would he get it to water?
3. There was the problem of rounding up all the animals and then caring for
them.
But Noah didn't complain or make excuses. He trusted God completely, and that
made God smile.
Trusting God completely means having faith that God knows what is best for your
life. You expect him to keep his promises, help you with problems, and do the
impossible when necessary.
The Bible says, "He takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in
his constant love" (Psalm 147:11 TEV).
It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. I imagine he faced many discouraging
days. With no sign of rain year after year, he was probably criticized as a "crazy
man who thinks God speaks to him." I imagine Noah's children were often
embarrassed by the giant ship being built in their front yard. Yet Noah kept on
trusting God.
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God completely? Trusting is an act
of worship. Just as parents are pleased when children trust them, your faith
makes God happy.
The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
