What does Noah's preparation in Genesis 7:6 teach about readiness for God's plans? The Verse in Focus “Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth.” — Genesis 7:6 (Berean Standard Bible) What We Notice • Noah’s age is specifically recorded—“six hundred.” • The floodwaters came exactly when God said they would. • By this point, the ark was finished, supplies were gathered, and the family was ready to board. Lessons on Readiness • Steady obedience over time – Building the ark took decades. Readiness began long before the rain. • Readiness isn’t hindered by age – Six hundred years old, yet fully prepared. God’s call extends across every season of life. • Faith acts before evidence appears – No clouds, yet construction was complete. True readiness trusts God’s word over visible circumstances. • Preparation is as spiritual as it is practical – Spiritual: believing God’s warning. – Practical: gathering animals, food, and family. Both aspects mattered. • God’s timing is precise – The flood arrived “when the floodwaters came” — exactly synchronized with Noah’s preparedness, never early or late. Living It Out 1. Start now, not later—obedience begun today positions us for tomorrow’s assignments. 2. Guard against “I’m too old” thinking—use every year God grants for faithful service. 3. Act on Scripture even when culture sees no threat or need—God’s word is sufficient reason. 4. Pair prayer with planning—seek God’s voice, then lay in the supplies, schedules, and structures that faith requires. 5. Trust God’s calendar—He will open doors or send the rain at the appointed hour; our part is readiness. Key Takeaways • Readiness is long-term, age-defying obedience rooted in God’s sure word. • Prepared believers become the means of rescue for others when God’s moment arrives. |