Tuesday, July 3

Evan Almighty

We took the kids to the show yesterday. I was delightfully surprised by what we saw . . . God was glorified through Hollywood.

I have to admit, I was a little bit leery about this movie. The previews (in my opinion) ridiculed God and the story of Noah. But after sitting through the whole movie, I was able to pardon the parallel. Let me tell you why.

Without ruining the movie for you, I will just say this . . .

- God's love for mankind was communicated over and over again
- the main character (Evan) prayed and God showed up in mind blowing ways
- God chose to use a man who wanted to "change the world"
- Evan was ridiculed, misunderstood and abandoned by everyone because of his obedience
- God's plans messed up all of Evan's plans
- God's priorities brought people together, instead of separating them
- God came through in the end - just like He always does

Of course there were a lot of theological mix ups, but if you can get past all of that - I believe the heart of the movie was dead on. I would encourage you to see it. Not to build it up too much, but I think aside from Overboard it has become my new favorite movie. I liked it that much.

Question for you . . . Has God ever asked you to build an ark? What did you ark look like? What was your response, did you tell God "yes" or "no" or "later"? Were you shuned, ridiculed misunderstood and abandoned because of your obedience? If so, how?

If you have time, respond in the comments. It would be fun to swap stories. I will comment on my own blog so that I can share mine with you.

If God has asked you to build an ark, take heart my dear sister. God is faithful - the rain will come.
Posted by at

4 comments:

Joanne Reese said...

God has asked me to build an ark in the shape of LOVE. I am still at the "What are you talking about God?" stage . . . but I know that He is getting ready to move in a powerful way.

My struggle with this right now is feeling alone, as nobody else understands or shares this vision (aside from Mark).

But towering over any kind of uncertainty, is an excitement about the transforming work God is going to do in so many hearts.

Animals keep following me around, I shave and it grows right back (you will understand when you see the movie). In other words, I am not getting out of this one. But with thought of the God reaching down to touch us like He never has before . . . suddenly all of my fears dissapear.

I am willing to be the bearded wierdo . . . anything for HIM.

July 3, 2007 at 8:46 AM
Michele B said...

Oh my, what a question. This could get long.

First I'd like to say, while I haven't seen this particular movie, I have found often that Hollywood has a way of glorifying God almost despite itself. It's such a great example of His sovereignty and omnipotence. Truly, all creation sings His praises. And as my husband is fond of saying, "If God can speak through a donkey (as in Numbers 22) He can speak through me." And by implication He can speak through anything or anyone He chooses, even corrupt Hollywood.

Our ark is an actual ark. Well, a stationary one. We have a dream to build a large brick and stone house in Coulterville. A place that will be completely self-contained as far as solar/wind power, growing food, etc. It's a huge project that seems totally impossible to us. The weird thing most people don't understand about it is that we don't even feel we're necessarily doing it for us. Or if it is to be for us it's also to be a type of haven and fortress for anyone the Lord may send our way. Are we talking end-time? Don't even know really.

It's a crazy idea, and we haven't shared the full vision with many others. We don't have the money, but what's that to the Lord? We've been given lots of building materials, free or for next to nothing, found the perfect property, were able to pay for it in less than three years, and so many other miracles!

For me, I balked a lot. There were (and are) always my "what if" questions again. Then the Lord jumped me up short one day several years ago and told me to give my husband the go-ahead to pursue this dream. So my dream of a safe retirement in a safe retirement community with the safe savings we'd have accumulated over the years flew out the window and I had to bring trust in the Lord to a whole new level, very uncomfortable, very scary. Very very very.

I tell God it's not fair. Noah had a lot more time than we have! The flood didn't come until he was 600 years old.

Well this song kind of explains it. The Lord gave this song to my husband many years ago. We hope to have the words engraved into the wall as the testament we think the place may be supposed to make.

STONE FORTRESSES

The mortal cries out that he might stand - as the stone fortresses built by men.
But alas, time would have its own way even then,
With your strength and your beauty, in the end.

For what beauty is it that you may hold? Whose bloom shall forever last?
And what strength remains to move the mountains
Once your season is past?

Seventy years, is it really so long in the enormous Hands of Eternity?
Let not old age be a time of regret for a life spent on the beast of subtlety.
The glory of youth and its fleeting lust,
Oh their promises of happiness, a mirage in the dust.
Run and grasp them, hold them tight,
But like the sands of time they slip from sight.
What bottle would you keep them in and can you pay their toll?
Would their value be worth the very breath of your soul?

Build the Eternal House while you still have light,
for life's evening quickly draws nigh.
Instruct your own of the True Life,
For they shall stand at your judgment on high
And your words shall speak forth the truth of who you are,
For the Truth bears witness of the tree.

My soul cries out to You, My God.
You are more than stone fortresses to me.

My soul cries out to You, My God.
You are more than stone fortresses to me.
You are more than stone fortresses to me.

Well there it is. There's so much more to it, but that's more than enough!!! (I told you it would be long!)

Oops! One more thing. Michael just came through the house (we live at the shop) and told me our contractor/friend called and reported we just this morning passed the latest inspection by the county building dept. It's really just a hole in the ground now, but ready for the second concrete pour for the foundation. One more nail in the ark!

July 5, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Joanne Reese said...

Wow, it looks like God really has asked your to begin building. That is absolutely incredible!! I appreciate you sharing that with me. I would not be a bit suprised if God uses your obedience to provide safety and shelter to those He draws in.

Keep building, and keep believing. Even if it is just in your heart for now. God is working the most amazing plan, and we are all going to be a big part of what heaven accomplishes.

From one bearded wierdo to the next. - Joanne

July 6, 2007 at 4:18 PM
Matt Rulez said...

Remember the part about the one Act of Random Kindness ARK. And the ratings are 4.3 out of 1-5!

July 17, 2007 at 5:51 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)