Genesis 6

"'Make yourself an ark of gofer wood.  Make rooms in the ark, and cover it with pitch inside and outside.'"

Genesis 6:14

Many scholars believe that Noah lived in a desert, and that before the Flood there had never been rain from the sky.  This point is often used as a contrast to show us Noah's devotion to the Lord - that he built the ark even though he didn't understand the Lord's instructions.

However, for the purposes of this bible study, I'm trying to stick with just what's written in scripture.  This chapter makes no mention of anything that would make God's instructions to Noah seem out of the ordinary.  After God gives Noah his instructions, the chapter ends by simply stating, "And Noah did this.  He did everything that God had commanded him." (Genesis 6:22)

This is a lesson we've all heard many times, but it is necessary to reiterate as often as possible.  It's as simple as three words: obey the Lord.  We don't need to add any "even if this..." or "unless that..." or "because if you don't..."  Simply - obey the Lord.  Noah knew this lesson, and he obeyed the Lord.  I'm glad he did, because nothing we know would exist if he hadn't.

God calls every one of us, and He doesn't often explain Himself the way He did to Noah.  When we hear the voice of God, we must act immediately.  We must put aside all fear, doubt, and personal preference.  God guides us to the places where He needs us, and His plan is always better than ours.