HEBREWS 11:7 (English Standard Version)
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Patience! It’s something everybody wants, but nobody wants to wait for. So often we think of patience as a passive waiting, and sometimes it is, but as author Rev. Robert Strand says, “On the contrary, patience can be very active . . . when exercised it’s a concentration of strength. It’s more than simply enduring. It’s a discipline at work moving us to a point that God has in mind.”

That active kind of patience is what I call perseverance, and we see it vividly portrayed in the life of Noah. While his life demonstrated many traits such as faith, righteousness, and godliness, the thing that stands out the most to me is his perseverance. He just never gave up!

In spite of the intense wickedness all around him, Noah persevered in his faith in the true and living God. When those around him mocked Noah for his obedience and loyalty to God, he persevered. Even though he didn’t fully understand why he was building the ark, he didn’t quit following God’s orders. Although it took 120 years for Noah to complete the project God assigned to him, he kept on working day after day until the job was done.

As a result of his incredible tenacity, Noah and His family received God’s blessing and His protection when the rains descended and the flood waters raged. But more than that, we all benefited from his patient perseverance because the promise of the Messiah given in Genesis 3:15 was preserved through Noah’s family line.

You never know how your patient endurance will affect your life, and the lives of others. At the start of this new school year, if you’re a student—or a teacher—persevere and make this an incredible year of learning and growing. If you’re stuck in a tough job, starting a new one, or still looking for one, hang in there. When you find yourself dealing with impossible people, don’t give up. Put your faith in God as Noah did, and persevere!

Lord, I want to be like Noah and persevere in my faith, my obedience, and my actions, but I need Your strength to do that. Please help me work patiently so You can move me to the point You have in mind for me.

By Ann Shorb

Copyright Ann Shorb, 2010

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright (c) 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Skits for Fun and Learning
Skits for Fun and Learning is a collection of 15 puppet scripts and 5 articles on the subject of success with puppet ministries. The articles and scripts have been written by Dr. Ann Shorb and the book is available for purchase as a paperback, or as a PDF download.