Devotions Inspired by the Fresh Start BibleSample

Flooded

By Hannah Etsebeth

It was an age of spiritual darkness on the earth, and it didn’t make any sense. Foretelling a massive flood. Building a boat. Filling it with animals. Proclaiming he heard from God. But Noah knew what he had heard, and he pressed on. He built the boat. He endured the ridicule. He gathered the animals. He looked to heaven and trusted God. 

Then the earth flooded. 

Surrounded by the cackle of the chicken, the lowing of the cattle, the roar of the lion, and the sound of rain ... for 40 days. There was no end in sight. I wonder if Noah’s inner dialogue sounded something like, Will the waters recede? Will I see land again? Did I hear Him right? Can God be trusted? 

In the end, a dove returned with a fresh olive leaf, proving the waters receded. God’s covenant was made complete. Sound familiar? We read the promise. We hear it. It resonates in our spirit, and we lean into it. But over time as we wait for the waters to recede, doubt enters. 

Will the waters recede? Will I see land again? Did I hear Him right? Can God be trusted? 

Generations have lived to tell the story of the Great Flood. Not because of the water, but because of the promise it carried. God’s word can be trusted. And that promise is emphasized every time we cast our eyes on a rainbow coloring the sky with its splendor. 

Perhaps today you hear His quiet whisper, reassuring your soul: 

“The waters in your life will recede. I’ll show you the way. You will see land again. Lean into My word. I can be trusted.” 

Prayer

God, today I choose to trust in You. I believe that Your word is true, and Your promises last a lifetime. Thank You for being a light unto my path. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Memory Verse

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14–16