The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.” (Gen. 7:1)

UTTER MAYHEM had taken over. On the last day of the sixth week of practice, the preschool teacher’s nerves were frayed. In two days, they were scheduled to perform the Christmas pageant, and they were far from ready. Young shepherds used their staffs as mock swords, the sheep kept climbing on tabletops, and the innkeeper had just stolen the angel Gabriel’s wings. This was a disaster.

On the edge of quitting, the instructor noticed one child. Sitting quietly in her assigned chair, a tiny blonde girl sat swinging her legs and softly sang. Drawing closer, the teacher recognized the classic tune—“Jesus loves me, this I know.” What an inspiration!

She motioned the others to silence, and the class gradually came to order. They got the point. Practice resumed and the little girl quietly took her role as Mary.

If only the earth could be brought to order so simply. God was grieved by the ways of humanity. After hundreds of years of people doing as they chose, there came a bright spot—Noah. Here was a man willing to restrain his impulses and follow the ways of God. This was the type that should be multiplied; this was a man who could serve as a better model. Noah obeyed God, helped bring the earth back to order, and brought blessing on his entire family.

Choose to honor God—and watch Him choose to honor you.

Karon L. Storment lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, Jim. Together they direct Bethany House Ministries.