I wonder when Noah first noticed it.

He had been given very specific instructions for building the ark. Exactly this wide, this high, this long. Three decks, with a door on the side. To be made out of gopher wood. (Did any of the other animals complain? What about my wood?)

Building was the “easy” part – Noah could plan his days, see progress, deal with issues as they arose. Genesis 6:22 tells us that “Noah did…all that God commanded him.” He completed the construction with care. He stocked the ark for the journey, herded in all the animals according to specifications and then closed up the door. It started to rain.

Now what? There was no rudder. No sail. No ships’ wheel. Who’s driving this thing? Where are we going?

Have you ever felt like that? You’ve followed God’s guidance, but now it feels like the storm is here and the door is shut. There is no helmsman and no helm by which to control this ship! Last year in November and December two cruise ships lost power and were at the mercy of the ocean. Reports from those experiences are anything but pretty. Noah and his family endured five months of this rudderless motion.

Had God made a mistake? Did He leave something off the blueprint?

Genesis 8 gives us glimmer of hope. The first two words are “But God…” “But God” knew what He was doing. “But God” was still in control. “But God” had been directing things all along.

We are at the beginning of another year; a year that may be filled with “building time” when we have clear direction and can see things accomplished, but also some “drifting time” when the door is closed, the rain is falling, and we can’t find the rudder. These times are by design. God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him and in His care. That means dependence on His power and plan especially when we can’t control our direction or speed, because, like with Noah, there is always a “but God.”

Perhaps now is a good time to commit to trusting God during those times when you have a blueprint in hand as well as when you can only look out the window at the falling rain, wondering where you’re going to land. Remember who is in control and trust that He has designed this particular journey.

May your 2011 be filled with grace and power, as you live compelling lives and give compelling invitations for our LORD (1 Thess. 2:8).

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