My best friend (Susan), Me, and my Mom at the Ark Encounter.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Let these commands be on your heart.”
-Deut. 6:5-6
Yesterday I got the awesome opportunity to visit the Ark Encounter in Northern Kentucky. It was quite the sight to see. Take a look at the picture and you can tell how truly massive it really is. I look like an ant next to this thing. It was built in accordance with the measurements given to Noah in the bible. There are three decks of history, exhibits about Noah and his family, live animals, and fake animals that portray the actual animals you would have found on the ark. Stepping on that ark was like stepping right into Noah’s shoes and seeing the story from his perspective. It was fascinating. I loved reading the history and learning about the engineering that went into building and sustaining the ark. They weren’t just floating and hanging out for a year. I was amazed by what I saw.
This morning God brought the above scripture to my heart as I reflected on what I experienced yesterday. Honestly, I had planned on going back and reading Noah’s story in Genesis. But instead God directed me to this scripture and reminded me and challenged me to think a little differently than I had planned. I, and other racers, can kind of see and feel what Noah experienced. Now don’t get me wrong Noah’s experience was on a much bigger scale. God hasn’t asked me to build an ark and assist in saving humanity. I know I’m not Noah and not even close to being ready for that responsibility. But God is asking me to give up my job and my comfort zone and do something that many people see as crazy. Obedience is a funny thing sometimes. Sometimes God asked you to do something when you can’t see all the pieces and how they are going to fit together. You are asked to build an ark but you don’t know when the storm is coming. But you believe it’s coming if God says it is! I don’t know exactly what I am going to be doing, I don’t know exactly where I am going to be going. At this point I don’t even know what day I’m leaving the country. I have a set of countries, but there’s a good chance that will end up changing as it has four times already. J God just said go and do this. I don’t have all the answers and to a lot of people in my life it seems kind of nuts. I’m sure a lot of people thought Noah was nuts building an ark when there was no storm in the forecast. I have come to a place where I can trust Jesus enough to go where He leads, even if I don’t have all the answers. He is teaching me how to love Him with my WHOLE heart, soul, and strength. I am keeping these commands on my heart. God reminded me of this commandment and His promises and He will honor that effort if I just put my trust in Him. I love when He takes things like a trip to an ark to confirm what He has already told me many times. He doesn’t have to do that! He chooses to do that because He knows I need it and want it. He loves me enough to give me reassurance. This step I’m taking in August is one of the biggest I’ve taken in a while. It will be life changing and another step in learning to love God with my heart, soul, and mind.
I have been consistently praying that God will keep a yes spirit in my heart for Him and He is so faithfully answering that prayer. God reminded me this morning to love and obey Him no matter what. That’s what I am choosing to do. This is an everyday battle and something we must all choose to be intentional about. Friends He has a life for you that is way better than you could ever imagine, but you have to listen and take a step of faith. I challenge you to ask the Lord what loving Him with your WHOLE heart, soul, and strength looks like for you. He is faithful and will show you the way. Just ask and listen. Who knows, maybe you are the next Noah or maybe He will use you to do something even greater for His kingdom??
