40 days of rain. Floods. Nothing left alive. And then the rains cease. Appreciable silence ensued from outside the ark. Is it over? Has the time come for God’s curse for the wickedness of man to be over? How quickly will the waters recede?
Good questions! So Noah waited for another 40 day span! Do you think he prayed and asked about what to do next? Yes. Is there plenty of sustenance on board? Yes! Guess we wait another 40 days… A generation of time!
And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: 7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. (Genesis 8:6-7)
The Raven returned with nothing to report… Wait a week. This time a dove. Nothing. Wait a week. Again, a dove. Look! An olive branch! Wait a week. Again, a dove. This time it does not return.
Finally… It’s time!
I find it amazing how quick people jump into decisions, unwilling to wait until the correct time. Unwilling to test the arena of the future… Is it time? Perhaps we should wait. Let’s get some wise counsel before exiting. Slow down. Will my pastor know, or do I blindside him with my decision? Will my family understand, or do I simply make them follow?
I know I’ve made similar rash decisions over the years. But I have learned some valuable lessons… Unless God is in it, disaster awaits. Time will tell. Quit giving in to your impulses. Patience. There will be a right time and it will make sense.