Left to ourselves – left to our own inclinations and inner impulses – what happens to humankind? The Noah story in the Bible tells us… “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5 ESV) The power of sin – The evil infection of the human species – the impact of “the fall” upon us all has been great and devastating!
But in the midst of all this moral chaos and depravity – when “Every intention of the thoughts of humankind were only evil continually” – a success story! “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord… Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:8-9 ESV)
I am so impressed (and challenged) by Noah… No Bible – the written word of God! No weekly church services where he could meet with fellow believers to encourage him and sustain his faith. No pastor to provide counsel and messages to sustain, guide and foster his faith. No Christian radio or television. No worship music to access to inspire and uplift him. Only evil, pervasive depravity, and temptation all around him and his family! Evil actions, wicked people, seductive temptation, and perverted behavior everywhere! But in the midst of it all Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation – He walked with God!
Wow! It can be done! God is faithful! His grace is sufficient! “He [the Lord] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy!” (Jude 24) Noah found ways to sustain his faith! Here’s his secret on a single phrase of Biblical text… “He walked with God (step-by-step, moment-by-moment, day-by-day)!” At the outset of this New Year I want to do that… I purpose to do that by God’s grace! It worked for Noah!
Coffee With The Lord 