1. Introduction: The Storm – God’s Allowance and Arrangement

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Genesis 7:12: “And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.”
  • Genesis 7:24: “And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.”
  • James 1:2-3: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

• Explanation: The flood in Noah’s time was a storm allowed and arranged by God for the purpose of judgment and preservation. The aftermath of the storm, the water standing for 150 days, represents the sometimes prolonged consequences that extend beyond the storm itself. Just as the physical storm was long, some life storms can have lingering effects, but the purpose of restoration is to bring us back to normalcy after the devastation. Noah’s example shows how we can find victory in the return to normal life after devastation.

2. Victory in Normalcy

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • John 12:9-11: “Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death.”
  • Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…”

• Explanation: After the storm, when the chaos settles, we crave normalcy. For those who’ve gone through hardship—whether physical, emotional, or financial—the return to normalcy is a sign of healing and restoration. Jesus’ raising of Lazarus shows how life can return after devastation, and Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads us to peaceful places after we’ve weathered the storms.

3. Open a Window

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Genesis 8:6: “And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made.”
  • John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
  • Colossians 3:2: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

• Explanation: Noah opens the window after the storm, symbolizing the opportunity to look forward and make a fresh start. The window represents the possibility of vision and new perspectives after disaster. Just as Noah’s window was strategically placed high so that he had to look up, believers are encouraged to lift their eyes to the heavens for their help, aligning their vision with God’s purposes. Jesus is the only way, and through Him, we can view the world with hope and clarity after the storm.

4. The Window of Opportunity

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Genesis 8:6-7: “And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.”
  • Malachi 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

• Explanation: The window in Noah’s ark symbolizes opportunity—a chance to rebuild, to move forward, and to create something new. After the storm, Noah didn’t wait for someone else to open a door for him; he took action. Just as God opened the windows of heaven to bless Noah, He opens opportunities for us—whether financial, spiritual, or relational—if we take the initiative to look up and step out. Like Noah, we need to open our own windows and seize the opportunities God gives us.

5. The Raven and the Dove

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Genesis 8:7-9: “And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth: Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground.”
  • Isaiah 55:11: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
  • Matthew 3:16: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.”

• Explanation: The raven and dove represent two different approaches to the post-storm reality. The raven goes out but doesn’t return, symbolizing those who abandon the community and move on selfishly once they find their own way. The dove, however, returns with an olive branch, showing that restoration is often a gradual process and that some people, like the dove, may come back to contribute after the storm, bringing hope and life to the community. We should not penalize those who return after a period of absence—like the dove—they may bring life and restoration, even if their return seems small at first.

6. Patience in Restoration

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Genesis 8:10-12: “And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.”
  • James 5:7: “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.”
  • Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

• Explanation: Patience is a key principle in the restoration process. After the devastation of the storm, things don’t return to normal immediately. Just as Noah had to wait for the dove to return with the olive leaf, we, too, must be patient as God works in His time. Even when progress seems small, we should remain hopeful and trust that God’s timing will bring full restoration.

7. The Dove and the Olive Branch

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Genesis 8:11: “And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.”
  • Romans 15:13: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
  • Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

• Explanation: The olive branch carried by the dove is a powerful symbol of peace and renewal. It signifies that even after devastation, life can emerge again. The olive tree, often associated with anointing and the Holy Spirit, reminds us that restoration comes not just through our efforts but by the power of God’s Spirit. The dove represents hope, and just like Noah, we must keep our faith, knowing that even in the toughest circumstances, God can bring peace and restoration.