Dear Father, There is a pattern of growth within our school system that entails preparation and examinations. The knowledge of an examination that is in view, coupled with the absence of contention regarding its purpose and timing, makes preparation easier. From a very tender age, we become accustomed to building and growing toward something that is not contested and that will soon be revealed according to an established timeline. But what happens when the case is different? Today, I pondered the circumstances that surrounded Noah and his building of the ark. You commanded him to build an ark with exact specifications, and it seemed as though all the odds were against him. Why build a shield against rain for the purpose of a rain the world had never seen? Yet the Scripture recounts, "Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." In studying the life of Noah, I have realized that our destinies may not always follow an established pattern or timeline for growth. But what happens when we are required to build so intensely and with precision for an unprecedented future? How demotivating it can be to study for an exam we do not see coming. How do we overcome the reluctance to build when the very thing we are building for will not be revealed until the building is complete? Is this not one of the reasons we face opposition? In this case, building contrasts with the natural pattern of known timelines. In this case, building leaves us without a point of reference with human experience. So we would rather not build the ark if we do not see rain, or write the book if no readers have pledged their loyalty. We would rather stay safe than risk discouragement. We would rather follow the natural pattern than fulfill destiny. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #unprecedentedoccurrnces #obedience #structure #timeline