By Danny Minton

Several years ago, I came across an anonymous post entitled “Everything I Need to Know about Life, I Learned from the Ark.” I’ve since seen it posted numerous times, and the author has some good thoughts.

“Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark.”
One – Don’t miss the boat.
Two – Remember, we’re all in the same boat.
Three – Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four – Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five – Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six – Build your future on high ground.
Seven – For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
Eight – Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine – When you’re stressed, float a while.
Ten – Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven – No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

On a personal note, don’t invite the Woodpeckers!

As I read this again, I’m reminded that each of our lives is full of struggles and hurdles we must overcome. When we read the story of Noah in Genesis, we tend to focus on the story as a whole, failing to see the unseen messages it can offer. Messages that remind us how we can handle those individual challenges we face. 

In one way, everyone is different. We all face different hurdles. It may be school, work, health, financial, relationships, or numerous other things that life hands us. In any case, the one thing we should remember is the eleventh point in the author’s message. “No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.”

One of my favorite Bible verses is found in Deuteronomy 31:6. The Israelites are facing the challenge of entering the land that God has brought them to after forty years. At this time, Moses looks at those he has led and reminds them, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

In other words, don’t give up on God. Whatever boat you find yourself in, God is there. There is no challenge too great that we cannot overcome with God’s help. They may not go the way we want, but God will be there to pick us up when we feel down and out. He will also be there when we celebrate things in our lives. 

The reminder of God’s promise is to see the rainbow of a promise made thousands of years before. It’s God’s way of saying, “I’m still here.”  Margot Zilch wrote a children’s song that I heard several years ago, and the message is not just for children; it is one we should all listen to. Part of the song goes: “What kind of music does a rainbow make? What kind of song does it sing? Oh, it’s a happy kind of melody, and it brightens everything. For the rainbow – is a promise – that God is in control. Yes, the rainbow – is a message – that He’ll always keep my soul.”

So, no matter what hurdles you face in life, whatever the outcome, you do not have to face them alone. God is there with you and will be with you every step of the way. And God always keeps His promises.

Danny Minton, a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ, is a hospital chaplain