Genesis - Part 17

Unqualified Faith . . . Unending Patience

Genesis 8:1-16

Summary

Meeting Purpose

Analyze Noah's flood narrative in Genesis 8 to extract spiritual insights about faith during trials.

Key Takeaways

·     Noah's experience in the ark (over a year) exemplifies prolonged trials of faith amid uncertainty

·     "Waiting on the Lord" involves active faith steps, not passive inaction

·     Community support is crucial during difficult times; we should proactively encourage others

·     Knowing God intimately in good times prepares us to trust Him in hardships

Topics

Detailed Analysis of Noah's Flood Experience

·     Flood lasted 40 days with intense turbulence; ark floated for months afterward

·     Waters prevailed, covering mountains; wind from God initiated subsiding process

·     Total time in ark exceeded a year, highlighting prolonged nature of trial

·     Calvin's commentary: Noah likely struggled with doubts/anxiety despite his faith

Spiritual Applications for Modern Believers

·     Parallels drawn between Noah's experience and contemporary struggles in faith

·     Discussed challenge of sensing God's presence/action during extended trials

·     Explored concept of "doing the next thing" in faith when feeling stuck

·     Debated whether Noah's bird-sending was unbelief or appropriate action

Biblical Perspectives on Waiting and Trusting God

·     Analyzed Psalm 13 & 40 for insights on crying out to God and patient waiting

·     Discussed God "remembering" Noah - not about divine forgetfulness, but active intervention

·     Emphasized importance of taking faith steps while waiting for clear divine guidance

·     Noted tension between actively seeking solutions and passively waiting on God

Community Support in Trials

·     Highlighted importance of Christians encouraging one another during hardships

·     Shared personal experiences of faith being strengthened through trials

·     Discussed value of having supportive Christian friends during difficult seasons

Next Steps

·     Individually reflect on personal experiences of waiting on God in trials

·     Practice intentionally encouraging others who may be struggling

·     Study biblical examples of faithful waiting to deepen understanding

·     Cultivate deeper knowledge of God's character in good times to prepare for challenges

Doing the Next Thing - Waiting on the Lord

Was Noah revealing unbelief when he sent out the birds or opened the hatch to look at the terrain? 

Did Noah know that the wind God made to blow over the surface of the earth was an answer to his prayer?

Why did Noah decide to stay in the ark even though his data suggested that the earth was ready for him to disembark?

Praying for discernment is always the wise thing to do, but . . .

•from bad to worse

•an obvious answer isn’t

•an un-obvious answer is

•long silence

Psalm 13:5-6

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.