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The God Who Lifts You Above The Flood Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 20, 2026 (message contributor)
Summary: God sovereignly preserves and elevates His people above overwhelming circumstances that are meant to destroy others.
THE GOD WHO LIFTS YOU ABOVE THE FLOOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 7:17
Key Verse: “And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.” (Genesis 7:17, KJV)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 66:12; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 32:6; Psalm 124:1-5; Matthew 14:28-31; Romans 8:35-37
INTRODUCTION
Floods in Scripture symbolise overwhelming trials, sudden crises, intense opposition, and seasons where pressures rise beyond human control. Floods do not announce themselves politely; they surge unexpectedly, threatening stability, safety, and survival. Many believers encounter such floods in finances, health, relationships, ministry, or destiny.
However, the Bible reveals a comforting truth: God does not always remove the flood, but He ensures that His people rise above it. While others are submerged and destroyed, those who trust in God are lifted by His power, grace, and covenant. The flood that was meant to drown you becomes the platform that elevates you.
This message reveals the assurance that no matter how fierce the storm or how high the waters rise, the God we serve specialises in lifting His people above the flood. You are not designed to sink; you are ordained to rise.
1. GOD ALLOWS FLOODS BUT ORDAINS PRESERVATION
God may permit floods, but He never abandons His own within them.
Every trial allowed by God carries a divine provision for survival and victory.
a) Floods are permitted, not permanent (Psalm 66:12)
Though God allows men to pass through fire and water, He always brings them into a wealthy and safe place.
b) God plans preservation ahead of crisis (Genesis 6:13-14)
Before the flood came, God instructed Noah to build the ark, proving divine foresight and care.
c) God seals His people in covenant (Genesis 7:16)
The Lord Himself shut Noah into the ark, ensuring divine security.
d) Preservation is rooted in obedience (Hebrews 11:7)
Noah’s obedience activated God’s covering during the flood.
Biblical Example:
Noah and his household were preserved in the ark while the flood destroyed the world, demonstrating that obedience positions believers for divine lifting.
2. GOD USES THE FLOOD TO LIFT YOU, NOT TO DESTROY YOU
What threatens others becomes a tool of elevation in the hands of God.
The same waters that destroyed the wicked lifted the ark higher.
a) The flood became a lifting force (Genesis 7:17)
The rising waters bore the ark upward, proving that adversity can promote destiny.
b) God converts pressure into progress (Romans 8:28)
All things, including trials, work together for good to those who love God.
c) Elevation often comes through resistance (James 1:2-4)
Trials refine faith and produce maturity that leads to promotion.
d) God controls the depth of the flood (Isaiah 43:2)
God determines how far the waters can rise and ensures survival.
Biblical Example:
Peter walked on stormy waters when his focus remained on Jesus, revealing that faith can rise above chaos (Matthew 14:28-31).
3. GOD REMAINS PRESENT IN THE MIDST OF THE FLOOD
God’s presence is the greatest assurance during overwhelming seasons.
He does not rescue from afar; He stays with His people.
a) God promises presence in deep waters (Isaiah 43:2)
God’s assurance is not avoidance of waters but immunity within them.
b) God silences the flood’s power (Psalm 29:10)
The Lord sits enthroned above the flood, ruling over its intensity.
c) God gives peace amid chaos (Psalm 46:1-2)
God remains a refuge even when the earth is moved.
d) God speaks victory in adversity (John 16:33)
Christ assures believers of overcoming power despite tribulation.
Biblical Example:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced God’s presence in the fiery furnace, just as He remains present in every flood (Daniel 3:24-25).
4. GOD BRINGS YOU OUT OF THE FLOOD WITH A TESTIMONY
God never ends a season of flooding without purpose and reward.
Survival is followed by restoration and new beginnings.
a) God appoints an end to the flood (Genesis 8:1-2)
God remembered Noah and caused the waters to subside.
b) God restores after overwhelming trials (Psalm 124:4-6)
The soul escapes like a bird from the snare.
c) God establishes new beginnings (Genesis 8:20-22)
After the flood, God established a covenant and a future.
d) God honours faithfulness after trials (1 Peter 5:10)
After suffering, God perfects, establishes, strengthens, and settles His people.
Biblical Example:
After the flood, Noah stepped into a renewed world under divine covenant, proving that floods do not end destinies but reposition them.
CONCLUSION
The God who lifts you above the flood is faithful and unchanging. No matter how overwhelming the challenge, the flood is not authorised to destroy you. Instead, it becomes the very means by which God elevates and distinguishes you.
As you trust God, obey His Word, and remain anchored in faith, you will rise above every flood. You shall not drown, you shall not sink, and you shall not be swallowed. The God who lifted the ark will lift you above every storm.
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