Faithfulness in Quiet Places

“Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” —Genesis 6:22

Faithfulness is rarely glamorous. It often looks like quiet obedience tucked into ordinary moments—choices no one sees, conversations no one remembers, seeds sown long before fruit appears. I used to think faithfulness had to be big or noticeable to matter. But the older I get, the more I realize that God often begins His greatest work through the smallest yes.

Not long ago, the Lord reminded me of this through a story of my own—one I never could have scripted.

It started with a simple step of obedience: launching The Love Offering Podcast. I didn’t know where it would lead. I just sensed the Lord nudging me to begin, so I did. That solitary yes opened the first door. Through the podcast, I connected with a woman who invited me to her conference—free of charge. I sat at a lunch table there with someone I hadn’t met before, and we struck up a simple, unremarkable conversation over a meal.

But God was weaving something far bigger.

After that conference, the woman I’d met at the table invited me to join her mastermind. As we grew in friendship—championing one another through the ups and downs of podcasting, writing, and speaking—she introduced me to someone who eventually became the link to my publisher for my most recent book. And then, years later, that same woman who sat across from me at a lunch table invited me to join the Speak Up faculty.

One faithful yes. One conversation. One connection. And here I am—writing for the Speak Up blog.

Only God could orchestrate that.

This experience brought me back to Noah’s story. God asked Noah to build an ark, a task that made no earthly sense. There were no crowds applauding, no evidence that his obedience would ever amount to anything. Scripture doesn’t record a single person praising Noah for his faithfulness. What it does say is:

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord… He walked faithfully with God.” (Genesis 6:8–9)

• Noah didn’t obey for results.
• He didn’t obey for recognition.
• He didn’t obey because it was easy.

He obeyed because God spoke.

And that’s where faithfulness takes root—right in the heart that says yes, even when the outcome remains unseen.

When the floodwaters finally rose, it wasn’t Noah’s hard work that spared him. “The Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16)

The same God who called Noah carried Noah.

And He does the same for us.

Looking back on my own journey, I’m amazed at how God took one tiny act of obedience and built something far beyond what I imagined. Not because my yes was impressive, but because God is faithful. When we say yes in the small, He multiplies what we place in His hands.

When the waters receded, Noah’s first response wasn’t to step into his new world and begin building a name for himself. His first act was worship:

“Then Noah built an altar to the Lord…” (Genesis 8:20)

Faithfulness always leads us back to the feet of God.

That’s the life I long for—not one focused on platforms or outcomes, but one rooted in quiet yeses, surrendered steps, and simple obedience. Because no act of faithfulness is ever wasted. God sees every small choice. He honors every unseen moment. And He uses our obedience to open doors not just for us, but often for others too.

So let me ask you what the Lord continues to ask me: Would you still obey if no one ever saw the outcome but God?

If that question feels tender, take heart. Faithfulness grows little by little. Just as Noah built the ark board by board, we learn to walk with God, yes by yes. And the promise woven through Noah’s story—and ours—is this:

Our faithfulness may be quiet, but God’s faithfulness never is.

• He remembers.
• He sustains.
• He finishes what He starts.

And He delights in taking the smallest yes and turning it into something far more beautiful than we could ever build on our own.

Father, thank You for inviting me into a life of faithful obedience. Forgive me when I care more about outcomes than simple trust. Give me a heart like Noah’s—a heart that listens, follows, and surrenders, even when the path is unclear. Teach me to walk with You daily and to offer every small yes for Your glory. Multiply what I place in Your hands and use my obedience to encourage and bless others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions

1. Where is God inviting you to take a small step of obedience, even if it seems insignificant or unseen?
   
2. Have you ever focused more on the results of your obedience than the relationship behind it? What might God be inviting you to shift?
   
3. How does remembering God’s faithfulness in your past give you courage to say yes today?
   
4. What small act of faithfulness can you offer to God right now—one simple step that says, “Lord, I trust You”?

Please respond to one of the above questions in the comment section. I look forward to hearing from you.

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