Genesis 6. The beginning of the story of Noah and God's ark of protection.
What stood out to me today-- Genesis 6, the last part of verse 9, "Noah walked with God."
The result of Noah walking with God? God protected Noah and his family from the flood He sent to destroy mankind. God provided a way of escape--an ark of protection. Noah had to build it, but God showed him how and gave him the courage and strength to do it.
If there is one thing I wish I could get across to every young person I teach it is that following God (even from a very young age) is always the right thing to do. Following God brings protection and blessing. At least I have found that to be true in my own life.
I must admit it disturbs me a little to hear some "grandiose" testimonies of how far someone sank into sin before coming to Christ. Don't get me wrong. I am so glad their life has been changed by Jesus. I just feel like sometimes Christians who listen to testimonies like these, think their testimony is not as "great" because they never sank into the same depths of sin. But, ALL of us need the Savior. You don't have to greatly stray to need His forgiveness and salvation.
Walking with God brings protection. I think this is some of what Genesis 6 teaches. I wish to save young people much grief and pain that not walking with God brings. It is great to walk with God later in life. It is great to walk with God anytime. But, if God has opened your heart and life to Him at a young age--don't ever stop walking with Him. There is nothing to learn by following after sin for a period of time to see what it's like. Your testimony is not of how great you have turned around. Your testimony is of how greatly God has redeemed you--and the cost of His redemption is the same for us all.
Stepping off that soapbox now.
Today I was able to personally speak with every member of my immediate family either in person or by phone. I physically heard each of their voices--husband, son, mom, dad, sisters, and brothers. I was able, as well, to text some of my closest friends. I am touched by their own walk with God. Their walk with God has certainly affected my walk with God. Each one of these dear ones is different and unique in their walk with God. Their prayers with me and for me, and their conversations with me have helped shape my walk with God.
Noah's walk had an impact on the salvation of his entire family after him. I do wonder though about if Noah's parents were still alive. I don't remember seeing a mention of them entering the ark. Were they part of the mankind God was ready to destroy? Had they already passed away? Did they influence Noah's walk with God--perhaps leading him to walk with God or were they so far away from God that Noah knew to walk with God instead?
On last Sunday morning our church sang, "O may those who come behind us find us faithful." May our walking with God never cease.
