The Gallarus Oratory in the Dingle Peninsula Places of withdrawal and Prayer |
This is the story we are reading aloud at present around the family dinner table.
God’s directions for the ark–450 ft by 75 by 45 feet. I used to find this part incredible. As I have lived longer, I don’t!
In my experience of running a small publishing company, I have experienced this sort of uncanny direction on several occasions: a clear insight into printers; books to publish; how and where to distribute; products to unroll.
God is a God of details, is interested in details, and we miss out on so much wisdom when we don’t seek him for insight on how to do the details….
Noah in the ark while the world is being flooded and destroyed outside. THEN THE LORD SHUT HIM IN.
What is this an image of? Of depression? Of abandonment? Aloneness? Sensory deprivation? Boredom?
Of God’s way of protection and safety.
It is a principle enshrined in God’s dealings with us. A period in the cocoon, in the ark, between great activity in the past, and great activity in the future. A winter like period to send one’s roots deep into certainties of who God is, and of his mighty power, a period to gather strength for the future.
What looks like abandonment is a period of rest and protection.
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