Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, after they ate the forbidden fruit and fell into corruption, a gap came between them, and the wedge only grew worse as the generations wore on. By the time of the great flood, the Lord looked at His beautiful earth and wondered if there was anything or anyone worth saving. His heart was sad as He beheld the sin-sickened state of creation, and just as He was about to give up and start over, one person came to His attention — Noah. This righteous man was so precious in the sight of God that He was willing to preserve a remnant of the world just to spare him and his family. However, Noah had to do his part. He was instructed by the Lord to build an ark, and he underwent mocking and scorn by passersby for three years, as he worked day in and day out to complete the massive vessel. When the boat was finally finished, he boarded with his wife, sons, and two of every living species, and hours later, a storm overtook the world. Humanity was swept away, and the ark floated on the waters as God began doing something new through the tossing of the tempest.

My friend, in this turbulent and uncertain time, I encourage you to be like Noah. As you face the unique challenges and temptations of each day, focus on constructing the ark of your existence in such a way that it can weather even the longest and most violent storm. Though it may demand that you endure mocking and scorn, no amount of worldly pain can compare to the satisfaction of living a life worth saving. Yes, there are numerous opportunities in this season of difficulty to give up and surrender the good fight of faith, but keep doing the next right thing and make pleasing Jesus your highest priority. He holds the blueprint of your days in His Hands, and He desires to partner with you in building a vessel that, though tossed by the waves, emerges intact and ready to sail with the Holy Spirit into much brighter weather.