‘…Noah found favour with the Lord.’ Genesis 6:8 NLT
Do you think that the only time God is pleased with you is when you’re doing things such as reading the Bible, attending church, praying, giving, or sharing your faith? No, He enjoys every detail of your life, whether you are working, playing, resting or eating. He doesn’t miss a thing: ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.’ (Psalm 37:23 NLT) Every human activity (except sin) can be done for God’s pleasure if you do it in faith and with an attitude of gratitude. You can catch fish, wash dishes, practise medicine, teach children, run a business or raise a family for the glory of God. Like a proud parent, God enjoys watching you use the abilities He’s given you for His glory. After the flood God told Noah, ‘…Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth… Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.’ (Genesis 9:1–3 NIV) God told Noah, ‘It’s time to get on with your life! Do the things I designed you to do. Marry. Have children. Plant crops. Eat meals. Excel in business. Be the best you can be.’
In the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell said, ‘I believe God made me for a purpose, but I also believe he made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure.’ There are no unspiritual abilities, just misused ones. The Bible says, ‘…The Lord was pleased with Noah.’ (Genesis 6:8 CEV) So start using your energies and talents for God’s pleasure.
SoulFood: Gen 35–36, Matt 21:18–32, Ps 106:24–48, Pro 7:3–5
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©