SURVIVING AN EPIC DISASTER: NOAH’S GRIT – Many of us have experienced trauma or a disaster that could be described as epic; however, none of us have experienced what Noah and his family experienced! It’s hard to even imagine the earthquakes, tidal waves, loss of life and the subsequent global flood. How did Noah and his family survive? How did Noah save his family?
There is so much to say about the flood narrative in the Bible but I want to focus on Noah’s G.RI.T.; that is, his Guts, Resilence, Integrity, and Tenaciousness.
First, Noah believed God. Noah was a godly man. What he saw, believed about the world, and how he lived was shaped by his focus on God.
Second, his faith in God led him to action by obeying God. “Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” (Genesis 6:22) Faith without works is dead!
Third, Noah followed the plan God gave him even though Noah had never seen an ark! A comedian once said, “God told Noah to build an ark. Then Noah said, ‘God, what’s an ark?’” God gave him the blueprints, the building materials list, and the help from his sons. That’s hugely important. God gave him the plans but Noah had to build it.
Fourth, Noah was tenacious. The ark was a 100 year project. (See Genesis 5:32 and 7:6) The family continued working on the ark decade after decade. Noah preached to his generation but without the success that a preacher would like to see. However, in God’s eyes and his family eyes Noah succeeded!
Fifth, Noah determined that his life would not be defined by the world but by his faith in God! His defining moment came when he began to prepare for a flood while the rest of the world ignored the coming judgment. “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7
Finally, Noah never forgot who he was. He could trust and obey God, he could try and persuade others, but he would have to trust God for the miracles. You see Noah could build the ark but only God could fill the ark. It literally is a “if you build it they will come” story. Always remember that God will never fail you!
Imagine enduring the scornful mocking of people when you are building a massive ship in the middle of dry land far from the seashore. Imagine what Noah’s family felt when the community’s pressure and scorn increased decade after decade. However, they remained committed with Noah to the plan. The family had GRIT!
What will define your life? If you build your life on the solid rock of faith in Christ God will pull you through the storms of life including the epic ones. If you build on any other foundation it’s like building on the sands that wash away with the storm. (See Matthew 7:24-27)
- What defines your life?
- What are you building your life, marriage, family, and vocation with?
- Where do you find the strength and tenacity to stay strong and finish strong?
- How did you survive an epic disaster?
Peace!
Coram Deo 
I have had a few epic disasters in my life. My 1st husband, my two sons Daddy committed suicide at 33yrs of age. The same year, 6 months later, on her Birthday, my Mom had a heart attack and died. I was in church one Sunday morning and noticed my phone light up with “emergency call,” so I stepped out and called my home back. My oldest son told me that my youngest son was picked up by police. He’s in prison for 25 years- still breaks my heart to talk about it! God has been my strength, my peace, my comfort, and my confidante. He has gotten me through so much and Blessed me with so much, I could never turn on Him or blame Him. He is so good! We all have a story to tell. 💗 Love you
Hi Sandy, I’m so sorry to read about all the pain you have experienced. Your email is a story of God’s grace and peace to all who suffer tragedy in their lives. God will never waste that pain and hopefully someone will read your note here and be encouraged. Blessings!