by Pat Robertson

Noah's story shows how we can gain God’s favor:

First, we must walk with God. The world was so wicked that God wanted to destroy it, but Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. … Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God (Genesis 6:8-9). God distinguishes between people who follow Him and those who do not. When we walk with God, seeking righteousness and humility, we find safety under His loving care.

Second, we must listen to His voice. God told Noah, Make yourself an ark … . This is how you are to build it … (Genesis 6:14-15). Noah heard and understood God’s precise instructions. Our hearts must be tuned to hear God’s voice, understand His directions, and believe His Word. He will tell us the things we need to know if we have ears to hear and faith to trust Him.

Third, we must obey His Word. Genesis 6:22 says, Noah did everything just as God commanded him. He built an ocean-going vessel on perfectly dry land! People laughed and thought he was crazy. They didn’t care that he was obeying God. Sometimes the Lord may ask us to do things that the world doesn’t understand. They didn’t understand Noah. They didn’t understand the prophets. And they certainly didn’t understand Jesus.

Our goal should be to walk with God, to hear and believe what He says, and to carry out His will. As we do, God will give us provision, protection, guidance and favor. And we will hear a voice saying, This is the way; walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).

Scripture is quoted from the NIV.