“Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.”
Genesis 7:4 NIV
Throughout the Bible, we see the undeniable truth of God’s sovereign plan. Even when He chooses to involve men like Noah, the ultimate fulfilment of His purposes is entirely rooted in His power and authority. The story of the flood in Genesis showcases how God’s sovereign plan guided every step, demonstrating that while He may work through people, it is always His will that prevails.
In Genesis, when the Lord decided to bring a flood to destroy all life on earth, He chose Noah to help carry out His plan to preserve humankind and animals from total destruction. In Genesis 6:18-21, we see God giving specific instructions to Noah, outlining the tasks and requirements Noah needed to fulfil. God appointed Noah to play a role in His divine plan. However, Noah’s part was only a portion of the larger work in God’s plan.
By the time we reach Genesis 7:4, the focus verse, we see the culmination of God’s plan to send rain for forty days and nights, leading to the destruction of all life, except for those in the ark. While Noah had fulfilled his role, building the ark according to God’s instructions, the most critical part—sending the flood—was something only God could do. This passage reminds us that no matter how much we contribute to God’s work. The fulfilment of His plans ultimately depends on His action, not ours.
The flood that was coming had nothing to do with Noah’s ability or wisdom. He simply followed God’s commands. While it’s a privilege to work alongside God, it’s essential to remember that God doesn’t rely on human effort alone. He carried out His plans by His power, and only He can bring them to completion.
Noah could build the ark, but he couldn’t make it rain. He couldn’t determine how long the rain would last, but God could. Perhaps there are responsibilities God has also entrusted to you. While you may have an important role, remember that your part is just one piece of the puzzle. We must be careful not to assume that everything depends on our efforts. Ultimately, it is God who accomplishes His plans.
We must trust in the Lord and depend on Him. As James 5:16 (AMP) reminds us, that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much when it is put into action and made effective by God. Even in prayer, we need God to make our efforts effective before they can have any real impact. When we make plans, it is God who establishes them and brings them to fruition.
Whatever you are planning or working on, make room for God to act through you and for His glory.
In summary, Noah’s story teaches us a profound lesson: while we have a role in God’s plans, the ultimate success and fulfilment come from Him alone. No matter how diligent our efforts may be, God’s power is what brings completion. Trust in His strength, and allow Him to work through you for His greater purpose.
