Genesis 6:22, "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." Deuteronomy 5:33, "Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land you will possess."

Think

What if Noah had decided to do part of what God asked him to do - not because he wanted to disobey God, but because it made sense to do a small part differently? After all, he could have built the ark faster if he had made it just a little smaller. He would have had more room if he had left off some of his least favorite animals. The ark would have been easier to build if he had just substituted a different type of wood. Noah could have easily justified many reasons to partially obey, and so can we. "It's not hurting anyone else if I hold on to this bitterness." "We go to church and we're going to get married someday, so why not move in together?" "God knows my financial situation and He doesn't need my tithe as much as I do." "I already obey God more than the other people I know, so this one area won't matter." We convince ourselves to cut corners, but partial obedience is disobedience. Noah trusted God with every detail. And because Noah "did everything just as God commanded," the result was an incredible story of God's provision that led to a spectacular promise from God.

Act

Where are you tempted to partially obey God? Don't justify obeying most of what He wants you to do, fully obey God so you can fully experience the provision and promises He has for you.

Pray

God, thank You for Your amazing plan for my life. Please make me aware when I am justifying partial obedience and remind me of Your incredible provision and promises when I fully obey. Amen.