Promise for Today - Almost

After 150 days, exactly five months from the time the flood began, the boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Two and a half months later, as the waters continued to go down, other mountain peaks became visible.

After another forty days, Noah opened the window he had made in the boat and released a raven. The bird flew back and forth until the floodwaters on the earth had dried up. He also released a dove to see if the water had receded and it could find dry ground. But the dove could find no place to land because the water still covered the ground. So it returned to the boat, and Noah held out his hand and drew the dove back inside. After waiting another seven days, Noah released the dove again. This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone. He waited another seven days and then released the dove again. This time it did not come back.

Noah was now 601 years old. On the first day of the new year, ten and a half months after the flood began, the floodwaters had almost dried up from the earth. Noah lifted back the covering of the boat and saw that the surface of the ground was drying. Two more months went by, and at last the earth was dry! Then God said to Noah, “Leave the boat..."

Genesis 8:3b - 16a NLT

Nearly. Just about. Approximately. Close to. All but. Not quite. Almost - conveying the meaning of being very near to a state of completion, but without fully reaching it. We think only of it raining for 40 days and 40 nights, just shy of 6 weeks, completely overlooking the timeline of the ark adventure. In reality, it stretched out over a year, floating in a vessel that included pairs of every kind of animal and bird known to mankind. Cargo that had to be fed and cared for by the 8 passengers onboard. AND there's nothing in Scripture that says God caused all the animals to be unable to make a sound. So, I think it's safe to say it was not your normal cruise line...

Five months later, the ark landed on the mountains of Ararat. The earth was still flooded. There was no getting off. So, they were there for another two and a half months before they saw other mountain peaks. Another almost 6 weeks before Noah initiated the first fly-by. 

Three weeks later, and it was New Year's Day. Just think about how many people you know who were SO ready to begin a new year just a few days ago. They would want off that boat... but not yet, because the floodwaters had not dried up. Almost, but not quite. Two more months of watching the ground dry.

How many times do we find ourselves in situations where God has led us to fulfill His purpose and plan for us, but we're 6 weeks in, and we're done with the waiting? Or arrive in 5 months and have to wait for 2½ more months before we see any indication that we're moving forward? Would we jump off in the mud, or would we wait obediently for God's direction to leave the boat? 

We're ALMOST there. Wait just a little longer...

Prayer:

Father,

           We thank You for having the Master Plan. We confess we do not always understand, but this we know. You are God. You are faithful and trustworthy, All-Powerful, and All-Knowing. Impart Your wisdom and understanding to us. Give us Your Strength to see this through to the end of the age. We give You all praise and glory in Jesus' Name. Amen