One of the first things we need when we set out to be successful is a plan. God asked Noah to prepare for the coming flood and gave him a plan of how to build an ark. It was very specific. Have you ever put together a model car or anything like that you had to build? Ever use an erector set? I recently built a shed in my backyard and I needed help. Sometimes the plans are not clear.
Scripture: This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. Genesis 6:15-16 (NIV)
There is one thing that every model kit must have -- instructions! One day God looked down on the world that he had created and he saw how mean and evil the people had become. It broke his heart to see the way people were acting. "I'm sorry I made them, he said, "I'll get rid of them all."
But God saw that Noah was different. God saw that Noah was a good man, so he decided that he would spare Noah and his family. God told Noah about his plan to send a great flood to destroy everything on the earth. He told Noah to build a big boat called an ark. God told Noah exactly how to build it. (Read Genesis 6:15-16) Then he told Noah after he had built the ark to fill it with animals -- two of every kind. Noah obeyed God. He built the boat and then he put two of every kind of animal into it. Then Noah and his family entered the ark and God shut the door.
It rained for forty days and nights until finally, the rain stopped. It took many days for the flood waters to go down. When it finally did, Noah, his family, and all of the animals left the ark. Noah thanked God for keeping them safe.
God had a plan for Noah's life. Listen to what he said, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If we obey God's Word, his plan for our life will be successful too.
Sometimes when we have a plan however we still fail. This does not mean that WE are a failure. These are called Post-It Notes. If you need to leave a note for someone, you can just write a note and stick it on their door. If you need to remind yourself of something you have to do, just write a Post-It note and stick it up in a place where you will be sure to see it. I don't know how we ever got along before Post-It notes were invented. (Reminders)
The Post-It Note was invented by the 3M company. That is the same company that makes Scotch tape. The Post-It Note is one of their best selling products and one of their most successful products ever, but did you know that it got its start with a failure? A scientist at 3M was working to try to improve the glue that they put on their tape so that it would stick better. He came up with a new formula for glue, but the new glue didn't stick very well at all. It would stick at first, but then it was very easily pulled off. He thought his new glue formula was a failure, but instead of throwing the formula in the trash, he decided to share it with others in the company and see if there might be some use for it. Finally they came up with the idea for the Post-It Note.What started out to be a big failure for 3M turned out to be one of their greatest successes. You will make mistakes in life but can turn your mistakes into success.
