in a pit with a lion on a snowy day

In my attempt do read through the Bible in a year (only about two months behind so far)… I rediscovered a part of scripture that truly blessed me.  Gen. 8:1 says “and God remembered Noah.”  Here’s a little of what I learned and wanted to share with you.

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We often wonder where God is when we are in the midst of trials that are testing our faith.  I’m sure you can think of a time in your life where you wondered why you went through a trying time, whether with your health, family relationships, job or friends.  You may even be there right now questioning why God doesn’t answer your prayer.  You might even be asking when he will give you an answer. 

When it comes to God’s timing, I am encouraged by the story of Noah. Noah was 500 when he fathered his three sons.  Gen. 5:32.  During the next 100 years of Noah’s life, the earth turned into a melting pot of sin.  Gen 6:6, 11-12.  God instructs Noah to build an ark; more time passes.  When Noah is finally 600 years old, he enters the ark!  Gen. 7:6.  After being in the ark for 7 days before the rain, 40 days/nights of rain, and another (at least) 150 days of flooded earth, GOD REMEMBERED NOAH.  Gen 8:1.  This is the same word that the Bible uses when

• God remembered his covenant with his people – Gen. 19: 15-16
• God remembered Rachel and opened her womb – Gen.  30:22
• God remember his people in Egypt – Ex. 13:3.

Be encouraged, God knew exactly what Noah was going through, he knew what Rachel was mourning over, he understood the cry of the Israelites in Egypt and he remembers you just the same.  He hears your cry; he hears your prayer for relief.  His promise to us comes very clearly from Isaiah.  In Isaiah 43:1-2, we are told

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” 

While we are not promised relief, we are promised God’s presence.  What better gift can we have?  When we walk through trials of life, God is there.  When we struggle with heartache, God is there.  When you are facing ___(you fill in the blank)_____, God is there!  Just because the answers to your prayers are not quick in coming does not mean he doesn’t care for you.  God remembered Noah, and God remembers you.

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PS: the title of this blog comes from this verse in scripture… tough kid

1Ch 11:22 and 2Sa 23:20
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.