Origins: The Beginning (Genesis 1–11)Sample

By Lyli Dunbar

“Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.” Genesis 8:1 (NKVJ)

Years ago, a friend called me at 8:00am in the morning to invite me to meet her for lunch that day. I was delighted to accept, and I hung up the phone with a huge smile on my face. 

Ready to meet my workday, I opened my email and sat at my desk immersed in thought as I responded to several pressing requests. A few minutes later, a co-worker came by to inform me my presence was required at an urgent staff meeting. As I raced to the meeting, my brain was flooded with information. Lunchtime came and went, and I failed to remember the lunch appointment I’d scheduled just that morning. Sadly, my sweet friend spent lunch alone at a table for two, wondering why I never showed up.

Sometimes when I am waiting for God to answer a long-standing prayer, I wonder why He hasn’t responded. Then I remember the story of Noah. This obedient servant of God spent seven days on the ark before it even started raining. Then he listened as the rain fell for forty days and nights. Patiently Noah waited yet another 150 days with expectation. On day 197, the Genesis accounts says, “Then God remembered Noah.” 

The word remembered, in this context, does not imply God was disinterested or forgetful. Unlike me, God never gets too busy with His to-do list to fail to recall appointments on His eternal calendar. God remembering us means He is extending His compassionate mercy and acting with loving care on our behalf. God moved on behalf of Noah because He is faithful. He always responds to His obedient children and fulfills His covenant promises.  

If you are surrounded by a flood of confusing circumstances today, you can trust that God has not forgotten you. He will deliver you from the rising waters of affliction. Just as He made a wind pass over the waters to miraculously still the waves surrounding Noah, His Spirit will enter in to rescue you and bring His redemption to you. Your God remembers you, and He will always show up to save you just as He promised. 

DIG: Read Psalm 105 and make note of every time God remembered His people. Take special note of verses 42 and 43.  

DISCOVER: Grab a piece of paper and a pen and sit down in a quiet spot to reflect on your journey with God. List every time God has remembered you and brought renewal to your life after a difficult season.  

DO: Think of one person you know who is going through a stormy season of life. Spend time praying for your friend and perhaps pick up the phone to share with them the message of God’s faithfulness to His people. He never leaves us nor forsakes us.