A Prayer to Remember the Extraordinary Impact of Ordinary Faithfulness
By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” - Genesis 6:22 ( NIV)
Listen or Read Below:
Do you ever wonder whether your everyday faithfulness is actually making a difference in God’s kingdom?
You’ve taught Bible Study at your church for the past five years, but have not yet seen anyone come to Christ.
You’ve committed to praying with your kids every night before bed, but most nights you wonder if they were even listening.
You’ve dedicated time each week to send cards, texts, and messages inviting people to church, but no one joins you in the pew.
Friend, I get it. It can be tempting to question the impact of our everyday faithfulness, especially when we feel we are laboring in vain. We’ve said, “yes,” to God, and our hearts genuinely desire to surrender and submit to His plans. But, we must remember–obedience is ours, outcomes are God's.
Many of us are familiar with the story of Noah and the Ark. God tells Noah that because of the wickedness of man, He is going to send a flood to wipe out humanity entirely. However, because of Noah’s righteousness and his faithful walk with the Lord, God will spare Noah and his family. There’s one thing, though. God promised to protect Noah's family from destruction, but Noah had to build an ark and gather animals first.
Hearing this story multiple times throughout my childhood, I tended to focus more on God’s protection of Noah and His future promise never to flood the whole earth again. While these are essential takeaways, we shouldn’t gloss over the severity of God’s pronouncement on humanity and Noah’s obedience to God’s command. Think about the interaction between God and Noah. Noah, living among the people, was aware of the wickedness around him; yet, hearing that God was going to destroy mankind would have been overwhelming. God asked him to do something radical: build a boat to protect them from a future flood. In Noah’s current circumstances, it would have been natural for him to question or doubt God. But, without hesitation, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22).
Noah and his family are protected during the flood, and commanded to be fruitful and multiply on the earth (Genesis 7:15-17). You and I are products of Noah’s faithfulness. And you know who else? Jesus. Jesus Christ comes from the line of Noah (Genesis 11 and Matthew 1)! Noah didn’t know that by saying “yes” to God, he would help fulfill God’s promise to send a savior to the earth (Genesis 3:15). For Noah, his faithfulness was part of his everyday choice to trust in God and follow Him without question.
During his life, Noah didn’t see the extraordinary impact of his ordinary faithfulness, but centuries later, we are experiencing the blessings of one man’s “yes” to God. As I think about how my life is the result of one man’s faithfulness (centuries later), it encourages me to obey God even when I can’t see immediate or earthly results. We know that God is always working all things for His glory and our good. But, like Noah, we have to choose to trust God, to each day remain faithful to what the Lord has called us to. Remember the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, when you ask us to do something, may we respond like Noah, without hesitation and complete obedience. Grant us, hearts committed to your work, and trust that You are in control of the outcomes. May we recall the words of Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”
Lord, may we search our hearts and ask, “What is it that you are calling us to step out in faith and do for Your kingdom?” May we be so attuned with the Holy Spirit that we say “yes” to your leading, even if others don’t support or understand. Like Noah, may we walk with You in righteousness.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Debby Hudson
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Related Resource: What If God’s Heart Toward You Is Kinder Than You Think?
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Originally published Saturday, 18 April 2026.
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