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[image: Purpose Driven Community - Daily Devotional] March 16, 2009
God Smiles When We
Trust<http://links.purposedriven.com/u.d?CYGtvA09Siyr6kMm=23>
by Rick Warren
In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages
that inspire him the most. Today's Devotional is based on this passage: "By
faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about
something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told...As a result, Noah
became intimate with God" (Hebrews 11:7 MSG).
Imagine this scene: One day God comes to Noah and says, "I'm
disappointed in human beings. In the entire world, no one but you thinks
about me. But Noah, when I look at you, I start smiling. I'm pleased with
your life, so I'm going to flood the world and start over with you and your
family. I want you to build a giant ship that will save you and the
animals."
There were three problems that could have caused Noah to doubt:
- First, Noah had never seen rain because prior to the flood God irrigated
the earth from the ground up (Genesis 2:5-6).
- Second, Noah lived hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. Even if he
could learn to build a ship, how would he get it to water?
- Third, there was the problem of rounding up all the animals and then
caring for them.
But Noah didn't complain or make excuses. He trusted God completely, and
that made God smile.
Trusting God completely means having faith that God knows what is best for
your life. You expect him to keep his promises, help you with problems, and
do the impossible when necessary.
The Bible says, "He takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who
trust in his constant love" (Psalm 147:11 TEV).
It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. I imagine he faced many
discouraging days. With no sign of rain year after year, he was probably
criticized as a "crazy man who thinks God speaks to him." I imagine Noah's
children were often embarrassed by the giant ship being built in their front
yard.
Yet Noah kept on trusting God.
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God completely?
Trusting is an act of worship. Just as parents are pleased when children
trust them, your faith makes God happy. The Bible says, "Without faith it is
impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest,
Calif., one of America’s largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick
is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life and The
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'Unless you change what you do, you will always have what you've got.'
- Jim Rohn
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