It wasn’t necessarily Noah’s carpentry ability or his animal husbandry skills that qualified him for God’s command to build an ark. What qualified Noah for God’s calling to build an ark? Genesis 6:9 tells us, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” Based on this passage, there are three things that qualified Noah: he was righteous, blameless and faithful to God. How was he “blameless among people of his time?” Noah didn’t participate in what verse 11 tells us: “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and full of violence.”
God didn’t quiz Noah on his construction experience or his ability to tend to herds of animals. He tells Noah that he is “going to put an end to all people (13).” God wants him to build an ark and he gives him specific instructions on how to do it. We also don’t see Noah debating with God about whether he can complete the task at hand. He chooses to obey God’s instructions. Noah’s faithfulness is demonstrated by his response to God’s request: “Noah did everything just as God commanded him (22).”
We don’t get a lot of detail on how Noah managed to build a massive ark. We don’t read about his struggles to answer God’s call to build an ark. We do see how God did what he promised he would do. A flood destroyed everything on earth except Noah, his family, all the animals, and food for them on the ark.
The completion of the ark started with Noah’s decision to do “everything just as God commanded.” It was a single choice to answer God’s call. Part of our journey of faith with Jesus Christ is nurturing our faithfulness to God. When we have a heart for God, we desire the things of God, including his call on our life. We are prepared to step out in faith and say yes to his call.
© 2024, Chris G. Thelen
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15, NASB
Answering the Call Series
This post is part of the “Answering the Call” series. Join me each Tuesday morning as we explore the moment of decision for so many people in the Bible.
140 Character Christian 
Blessings Chris for sharing this encouraging testament. Noah’s example offers us insight into allowing God to assist us in navigating our own ship of faith.
Thanks for the comment. God had created us for a specific purpose. He has equipped us with what we need to accomplish his plan. We just need to let God guide us. Blessings.