In God's time

Did you ever think about the fact that Noah worked on his boat for decades? That's decades of sticking out there in the open, building a seaworthy watercraft in a land that had no sea, and no sign of rain. That's decades of people walking past him, snickering and pointing. That's decades of him answering them, "Oh yes, it is going to rain." That's decades of him telling the Lord: "Lord, the skies are sunny and blue and have been for years on end-nevertheless I will trust in you and not the weather experts."

That's decades of talking to himself like this: "I will believe the report of the Lord!" That's decades of him telling his wife: "We will believe the report of the Lord!" That's decades of him telling the devil: "You are a liar, Satan. You're whispering to me that what I'm doing doesn't mean anything, but you wouldn't say that unless you feel threatened by me."

Noah worked on his boat for maybe a hundred years, but many of us don't give five consecutive minutes imagining it. Abraham waiting 15 years for God's promise of a son, but many of us never apply the math to a situation in our own lives. Joseph had a prophecy of greatness hanging over his head since he was at least 17. But many of us haven't considered what must have gone through his mind regarding that vision of bowing stars and sheaves when he was at the bottom of an empty well, or on a slave auction block, or locked up in an Egyptian prison.

Hebrews 11 tells us to meditate on God's Word, to think about, talk about, and dwell on those believers of the past who waited for God when there was no visible sign that He had heard their prayers.

One thing we learn about God from reading his Word is that he takes his time. He takes his time. He has always done that and will not change his ways for Americans. Take great courage from the likes of Noah and Abraham and Joseph, and anyone else that strikes you as a model in God's Word-and don't give up praying.