The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 6:5-8
There's a new Colton Dixon song on the radio called, “Build A Boat,” that keeps playing on repeat in my head. "I will build a boat in the sand where they say it never rains... I'll build a boat in the desert place."
The song builds a bridge from the Bible that spans across time, and reaches over into our everyday lives, causing us to analyze our hearts and recommit ourselves to the plans of Jesus in our lives. Even if those plans entail building a boat in the desert where it never rains, we are called to pick up our hammers, to trust in and believe in Jesus.
It was sprinkling outside, and my windshield wipers acted as a metronome when this song came on for the second time while driving home from antique shopping. It seemed as if God was tapping me on the shoulder, like a kind but firm teacher whispering, "Listen up!" The song is a beautiful illustration of God's love and faithfulness.
God loved Noah so much that He commanded him to build a boat on dry land. God commands us to live for him, to demonstrate His love, and to speak the name of Jesus even when there is no recognition or monetary gain.
I was speaking with a writer friend of mine the other day, and she reminded me of a big, simple truth that I had lost sight of. She said something to the effect of, "It's not how many people buy my book, or read my blog, but the possibility of reaching even one person for Jesus that makes writing completely worth it." What simple, profound truth.
Whatever it is in your life that brings glory to God, keep shining your light. Even when all you see is darkness all around, may your senses be reminded that darkness and light cannot coexist. People notice when you live, love, and speak the name of Jesus in your daily life. Be a lighthouse for Christ, an ever-present reminder of the safety and security Christ has to offer.
Even when it seems there is no one around who needs to be found, continue to shine. Have faith that they are out there, perhaps a little lost in a sea of darkness. Your glint of light might be all that they can spot from miles and miles away.
That light is nothing but Christ in you. We are totally, completely, 100% lost without the saving grace of Jesus. He is the reason we have hope and light inside of us. Rely on his love and grace. Have grace for yourself and others.
Build a boat, even when it feels pointless, superfluous, and maybe even a little hopeless. Build. With Christ Jesus, there is hope. There is a reason behind God's assignments in our lives. Our job is to remain faithful in all that the Lord Christ Jesus has called us to. Trust God to provide the rain. Build a boat, even when you are in a dry, desert place.
“If you carefully obey the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, hen he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14