As I was reading a Bible story to my 3-year-old last night, we came upon the story of Noah's ark, and I could not help but notice that my house feels like Noah's ark right now. In the middle of this pandemic, we are all quarantined and social distanced from the dangers of the world, so most people are staying home almost constantly. Imagine what Noah's ark was like on the inside--loud, crowded, close quarters, the same people unable to get away from each other, possibly a little bickering going on, aggravation, wonderment, impatience, hard work, a new way of life, and the list goes on. Can you relate to any of these things? Life is nothing short of chaotic here in my little ark.
My husband is working from home, or at least trying to amid the noise of five children. The kids are doing school work at home, the younger kids have to be occupied so the older ones can focus on their classes, I am always insistent on less screen time, there is the usual cooking/cleaning/chores, everyone is driving each other crazy, and we have no idea when life will get back to normal.
But let's consider the purpose of Noah's ark and therefore our calling during this global pandemic. Noah was chosen for the ark because he believed, loved, and obeyed God. His purpose was to first build the ark, which required great faith. He had never heard of an ark before nor had there been a flood before. We have experienced different illnesses in the world, but this pandemic has been a very new and historic experience for all of us. Is there something God wants you to build or work on during this time of being locked in?
Second, Noah's purpose was to be saved from the flood. He and his family were the only individuals that survived, so God wanted to save and protect them. Through Noah and his three sons and their wives, humanity survived the world's deadliest disaster--the great flood. During this Covid disaster, our homes are safe havens. However, do you ever find yourself at your worst when you are home? You are perfectly positive and charming when you are at work or church or with friends, but not so much at your own home with your own family. It is not easy, but maybe God wants to teach you something about how to be a better spouse or parent during this time. It is easy to be godly in public, but our greatest testimony is to our own children. Your children are your mission, and they are your highest and most important calling. One of your kids might become the next Billy Graham!
