WILLIAM KILLIAN

We see in the story of Noah that God does not abandon those who belong to Him, even in times of judgment and silence. The flood in Genesis was not only a story of destruction but also a picture of God’s justice and mercy. Humanity had become deeply corrupt. Every thought and desire was filled with evil, and God was grieved by what His creation had become. Because He is holy, He could not ignore sin. The flood was His judgment on a world that had turned away from Him.

Yet, in the middle of this judgment, there was grace. God chose to save Noah and his family, not because they were perfect, but because He showed mercy. For a full year, Noah lived on the ark while the world outside was covered with water. During that long silence, he may have wondered if God had forgotten him. But God never forgets His people. Genesis 8 begins with the words, “God remembered Noah.”

God showed His care for Noah in three clear ways. First, He began to dry the waters. The wind He sent over the earth slowly caused the flood to recede until the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat. Second, God gave Noah signs to encourage him including the raven and the dove. The final sign, when the dove did not return, showed that the earth was ready for new life. These signs showed Noah that God was still working. Finally, God spoke to Noah again, telling him to leave the ark. Noah did not move until God gave His command. Even after the land was dry, Noah waited for God’s word.

This patient faith is an example for us. God’s people today are not called to look for signs to know His will. We have something greater. We have His written word and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Still, God often gives us small reminders of His care, timely help, encouragement from others, or answered prayer. These are His tokens of love, gentle signs that He remembers us.

The flood and the cross both show how seriously God takes sin. Our salvation came only because God placed our sin on His Son. Jesus bore God’s judgment in our place. If this is what it cost for us to be forgiven, we must not treat sin lightly. Instead, we should live with gratitude, trusting that the God who saved us will never forget us.

When life feels uncertain and God seems silent, we can look to His word and remember His promise. Just as He remembered Noah, He remembers all who trust in Christ. He will not forsake His children.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,”

Hebrews 13:5