Long ago, after God had created a world filled with rivers, oceans, mountains, valleys, animals of all kinds, and people,  there lived a man named Noah. Noah was not like everyone else; he was kind, he cared for the earth and all its creatures, and most importantly, he listened to and loved God.

One day, God spoke to Noah. He told Noah that a great flood was coming, so vast that it would cover the earth and wash everything away. But God had a plan to keep Noah, his family, and the animals safe. He asked Noah to build an enormous boat called an ark. This wasn’t going to be any ordinary boat; it would be a floating home for two of every kind of animal, plus Noah and his family!

Now, imagine trying to build the biggest toy ship you can think of. You’d need lots of wood, tons of nails, and an awful lot of patience, wouldn’t you? Well, Noah had to build something much, much bigger than that! He worked hard, sawing and hammering, morning till night. Even though his neighbors laughed at him and didn’t believe in the flood, Noah kept on building because he trusted God.

Finally, after many days of hard work, the ark was finished. It was enormous, as big as a football field and as tall as a house! Then, something incredible happened. Animals started to arrive in twos – tall giraffes, hopping kangaroos, slow-moving turtles, and even roaring lions. Birds flew in, insects buzzed in, and before long, the ark was a bustling, squawking, roaring community of creatures!

Then came the rain. It started as just a few drops, but soon it was pouring, thundering, and lightning like the world had never seen before. But inside the ark, it was cozy and safe. Noah, his family, and all the animals were dry and warm. They had food to eat and places to sleep – the ark was like a huge floating zoo!

For forty days and forty nights, it rained without stopping. But Noah wasn’t afraid because he knew God was with them. And then, one day, the rain stopped. The sun peeked out, and a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky – a promise from God that He would never flood the whole earth again.

Finally, the water went down, and the ark rested on dry land. Noah opened the door of the ark, and all the animals bounded out, happy to be back on solid ground. They spread across the earth again, filling it with life.

Noah and his family were grateful to God for keeping them safe. They built an altar and thanked God for His protection and for the new beginning. It was a fresh start for everyone.

Just like Noah, when we listen and follow what we’re told, especially by God, we can find safety and help others too! Even when things seem strange or difficult, we can always trust that God has a good plan for us.

Verse to Remember: Genesis 6:22 – “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

So, remember that even when life seems a bit scary or people don’t understand your faith, you can be like Noah. Listen to God, follow His instructions, and He will keep you safe. And just like the rainbow, remember that after every storm, there’s something beautiful waiting.

 

https://arkencounter.com/noahs-ark/