Advent DevotionalSample

The Story of Noah

One common phrase dads come pre-programmed with is, “we’re not heating the whole neighborhood!” When doors are left open, sometimes the good gets let out, and the bad gets let in. In today’s story, the closing of the door of the Ark is an easy detail to miss.

Before our passage when the floodwaters cover the earth, there’s an ominous statement where it says of Noah, “the Lord shut him in.” After the boat was built, the animals were loaded, and all the preparations were made, the final step was to shut the door.

For Noah, being shut in meant leaving a whole life behind him. Hebrews 11:7 says that in that final act of trust, “he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.” When it comes to trusting God, sometimes that’s the hardest step: shutting the door on our old life. Everyone who follows Jesus is called to live a new life, which sometimes means taking the hard step to shut the door on old habits, thoughts, and relationships.

Reflect

What door is God asking you to close to step into the new life He has for you?

Pray

God, give me the clarity to know what doors I need to close, and the courage to make the hard decision to follow you. Amen.