Unusual Obedience: The Story of Noah

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: October 8, 2024

Scripture: “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” — Genesis 6:22 (NLT)

Devotional Thoughts

Imagine being asked to do something that seems completely absurd. For Noah, that was the situation. God instructed him to build an enormous ark because a flood was coming—a flood that would destroy every living thing on the earth. The odd part? It had never rained before. Up until that time, the earth was watered from beneath (Genesis 2:5-6). So here was Noah, a man tasked with building a massive ship in the middle of dry land, all based on a future event that seemed impossible.

Yet, Noah did not question God. He did not delay or argue. Instead, he demonstrated unusual obedience. He trusted God’s word completely, even when it did not make sense in his human understanding. He followed God's instructions down to the last detail, measuring and constructing the ark exactly as God commanded, despite the scoffing and mockery of those around him.

Noah’s obedience saved his family and preserved life on earth. His faith in God was tested, but because he was obedient, the promise of salvation came to fruition. His unusual obedience was not just a blind following of orders—it was an active display of faith.

Practical Reflection

How many times has God asked us to do something that seemed small, insignificant, or even strange, and we either delayed or outright ignored it? It could be as simple as a nudge to pray for someone, to give, to forgive, or to take a step of faith in an area where we’re uncertain. Often, we rationalize, question, or wait until we understand every detail before we obey. But God doesn’t always call us to understand. He calls us to trust and obey.

Noah’s obedience teaches us that God’s plans might not always make sense to us, but they are always right. He sees the bigger picture. The rain did come, just as God said it would, and because of Noah’s obedience, he and his family were saved.

What is God calling you to do today that may seem unusual? Is He asking you to step out in faith, to trust Him in an area that doesn't make sense? Remember, God’s ways are higher than ours, and our obedience could unlock His greater plans for our lives and for others.

Closing Thoughts

Unusual obedience requires trust. Noah had never seen rain, but he trusted God and followed His instructions. Sometimes, God asks us to obey in the little things or the big things, even when we don’t fully understand. When we trust and obey, we open ourselves up to experience God's miraculous works, just as Noah did.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your perfect wisdom and plans. Help me to trust You even when I don't understand. Like Noah, may I have the faith to obey Your instructions, no matter how unusual they seem. Give me the strength to follow Your lead and the assurance that Your ways are always best. Amen.