Faith, Obedience, and the Ark of Safety By: Major. Frank Materu
Main Bible Text:
"By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.
By this, he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7(ESV)
God does not call His people to understand all things. Instead, He calls them to have faith, trust, and hope in Him, that they may be kept in His ways.
God delights in those who follow the path of truth and light, holding on to hope, peace, and mercy daily.
By trusting in Him, His people find themselves secure each day, even in times of adversity.
1. Lessons from the Days of Noah
In the days of Noah, people were defiant, rebellious, and filled with arrogance.
Yet God spared Noah because he obeyed and followed God's instructions.
The rest of humanity, by contrast, met with God’s wrath, as He displayed His power and righteousness.
Today, God offers a refuge to those who trust in Him, while those who place their faith in worldly things or false doctrines will face the consequences.
“And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.” 2 Peter 2:5(NKJV)
2. Misconceptions about God’s Love and Acceptance
Many are taught that God’s love is all-encompassing and that repentance is unnecessary, as if God will accept any action without judgment.
This teaching is a misconception that keeps people bound in sin and draws them toward God’s wrath.
The enemy uses this false acceptance to mislead people, delighting in their ruin.
True love from God calls for repentance and turning away from sinful ways, aligning with the righteousness He desires for His people.
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NKJV)
3. Contentment in God’s Way
God provides a path for His people that leads to peace and fulfillment, yet many are constantly searching for a “better” way.
When men content themselves in the way God provides, much of their trouble fades.
But by rejecting His way and pursuing worldly desires, they bring multiplied sorrows upon themselves.
In our generation, many have turned away from God, mocking His ways and embracing paths that lead to spiritual destruction.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6(NKJV)
4. The Ark of Safety and Sacrifice
God has prepared an “ark of safety” for all who are willing to enter.
However, to enter this ark, one must be willing to forsake worldly attachments and commit wholeheartedly to God.
Just as Noah and his family entered the ark with little, those who seek God’s refuge today must abandon what lies behind and focus on following His path.
This includes taking up one’s cross and walking in the steps of Jesus, with a heart fully devoted to Him.
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
5. Conclusion: A Call to Faith and Repentance
Today, God invites us into the ark of safety, a place where our faith and obedience keep us secure from the world’s storms.
Only those who choose to abandon their own ways and follow God fully will enter this refuge.
Trusting in God, repenting sincerely, and walking in obedience are the steps to a life in His protection and grace.
Will you choose to leave behind what the world values to gain the eternal security God offers?
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
