Noah's Faith - Pt 3

The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. (Genesis 7:17-23, ESV). We have seen that faith is a relationship of trust and faith possesses a readiness to obey. Today I want us to look at the third truth found in the life of Noah’s faith. There is power found in a responsive faith. Noah’s faith releases the blessing of God. When Noah responded in faith God released his blessing. God telling Noah what to do before the flood was a blessing. But the reality of that blessing would not be released until Noah responded in faith. Noah's faith spilled over into his family's lives. Noah expressed his faith through obedience. As he walked in obedience he preached righteousness to the condemned world. They chose to ignore it. Noah's faith continues to speak to us today. Our task is to examine our response to his message. No man could ever have expected to find within himself the resources to live as Noah lived. He had the power to take decisive action as his society plummeted toward certain destruction. Noah had the power to preach to those who refused to listen. That's hard! He walked a lonely road. There is a tapestry in a home for recovering alcoholics in Germany. It is a picture of a stream with a shoal of fish heading one way and one solitary fish swimming in the opposite direction. Underneath were the words: "Any dead fish can float downstream, it takes a live one to swim against it." Noah chose through faith to be a live one. How does your faith respond to the challenges of life? How does your faith respond to the calling of God in your life? It is always much easier to “go with the flow.” However, I have found that the greatest blessings come when I go with God! Sometimes that has stretched my abilities and capacities to more than I dreamed possible. However, each time I think I cannot take another step, God has proven more than enough. How about you? Are you having difficulty imagining taking another step? Respond with a willingness to merely incline yourself forward. You will find the power flowing to you, as you never dreamed.