When the earth became so sinful that every inclination of humanity was evil, God decided to wipe it clean and reboot. Noah was chosen as the original survivor—the person who would be the start-up for Earth (Part 2). Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord because he was righteous and walked faithfully with God. When God spoke to Noah about the flood and the plan for survival, Noah was listening, willing and obedient. He had most likely never seen a boat. He lived in the desert where it never rained, and the Mediterranean Sea, the closest large body of water, was 500 miles away; yet he followed God’s call. There is no doubt that Noah was ridiculed and ostracized for building an ark and preaching that the end of the world was near. Despite opposition, Noah preached the truth and kept on building; for 120 years he worked with persistence and patience trusting God’s plan, even though it seemed far-fetched and crazy. He didn’t ask God to pick someone else or claim that he didn’t have the ability to do what God asked. He trusted God for strength and courage and completed the mission according to God’s design.

Scriptures
Ge 6:7-9, 13, 22; 2 Ch 16:9; Pr 29:25; He 11:7

Verse
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. (Ge 6:8-9) For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him. (2 Ch 16:9)

Thought
Outwit, outplay and outlast is Survivor’s tagline. Surviving as a Christian in today’s culture requires that you get in the game and meet the challenge. Don’t allow Satan to outwit you! God must be your priority. You will not hear God’s call if you are too busy and pre-occupied with everything else. Keep your mind in God’s Word; recognize that whatever God calls you to do, he will empower you for the task if you are willing and obedient. We outwit Satan when we keep our mind focused on God. Staying in the game when others do not understand or support you is tough. But the only way to outplay the opposition is to stick to the plan, stick to the rules. No matter what direction culture leads, stay committed to what you know is truth. We don’t always understand why God leads or how God leads, but we know that as long as he is the way, the outcome is safe in his hands. Stay the course—outlast! Many quit before reaching their goal. There will always be challenges, problem, complications. After completing a 120-year building project, which was no simple task, Noah had to deal with an ark full of smelly animals. He had to feed them, clean up after them and keep them from killing each other. It was not a Carnival Cruise, but he outlasted the obstacles and not only survived but also experienced God’s power and blessing along the way.

Questions
What does it mean to be righteous? Would you say that you are righteous? What are you doing to keep your mind focused on God? How do you know if God is telling you to do something? Do you look for ways to serve God or look the other way? Does being different (as a Christian) mean being “crazy” to culture? Consider Noah. Give other examples (from the Bible or real life) of individuals who were thought to be crazy because of their trust in God or their convictions. When have you experienced opposition because of your Christian faith, values or convictions? Explain.

Response
Spend time in God’s Word and listen for His voice. Let God know that you are available and willing for whatever opportunity He places before you. Ask God to use you for His glory. Look for ways to serve. Ask God to press you beyond your comfort zone and be open to do something new.

Prayer
Dear Lord, give me the strength to walk with you every day. I want to hear your voice. Empower me to do your will and to be obedient to your call. Keep me faithfully on the path so that I do not quit or despair. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.