The Ark Encounter
As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be
I took a trip to Kentucky this year.
Why Kentucky? That was my question too.
For months, Noah had been heavy on my spirit. I kept sensing the words of Jesus, that the days before His return would be like the days of Noah.
It wasn’t something I carried lightly. It brought with it a deep sense of sorrow, urgency, and reflection.
So, I took a trip to see the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky.
Standing before that massive ark brought to life what I had been sensing in my spirit. What had once felt like distant history written in a book suddenly became tangible. Every room, every detail, and every step through the experience reminded me that Noah’s story wasn’t just about one generation’s judgment. It stands as a testimony, a warning, and a call for wisdom — an invitation for us to learn, to take heed, and to repent. And, most importantly, it reminds us of the reality that one day we will all stand before God.
We had the opportunity to sit through the virtual experience before touring the ark. It was a humbling experience, and I would have been terrified had I been there during that time. It was intense. It was horrific. And it came suddenly.
Some may view the flood as a harsh act of God yet woven throughout Noah’s story is something beautiful — something greater than judgment: God’s mercy.
They had a choice, as we all do. They had a forewarning, which they ignored. It took many years for Noah to build that ark, and many years for the people to wake up, seek the Lord, and turn from their ways.
The ark was not only a warning; it was God’s provision. His love, mercy, and patience extended to a society that did not honor or follow Him. He made a way for those who believed. They entered by faith to be saved from what they had been warned was coming.
How beautiful is His heart, for it has always been to rescue before He judges.
As we walked through the Ark Encounter, the weight of that reality met me at every turn. And Scripture came alive.
“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” — Matthew 24:37
The majority of people had no idea what was coming. They were spiritually checked out and worldly tuned in. They were consumed by the flesh and the mundane rhythms of life.
“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. — Matthew 24:38–39
Life carried on as usual until the day Noah and his family entered the ark. The time for preparation had quietly passed them by. That realization settled deeply on my heart.
During my time at the Ark Encounter and while traveling through parts of Kentucky, I became deeply aware of the history that still lingers in certain places. There was a heaviness in the air, and another kind of reflection emerged. At times, I felt as though we had stepped into another era, almost as if I had become part of the exhibit myself. There were moments when I felt like I was on display, my presence drawing curious attention — perhaps what nationality or ‘kind’ I was.
Whether those moments reflected the hearts of others or simply my own awareness, I cannot fully say. But while standing before the ark, I found myself reflecting on how deeply divided our nation still is. Sadly, even in places that point us toward God, we are confronted with our need for Him.
Some encounters, however, were especially memorable.
Many of the people we met were warm and kind. Others seemed quietly curious, watching more than speaking. I found the culture different from what I was accustomed to. There was a heaviness I couldn’t quite put into words.
A few moments stayed with me.
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A young girl walked up to me with the sweetest smile and gave me the most beautiful compliment. She went on to share about her new stuffed animal, a bumblebee that she adored and told me interesting facts about what she had learned about bees.
As she spoke, I sensed in my spirit how God sends encouragement through the smallest voices. I genuinely enjoyed her presence.
Another unexpected conversation happened at the park café.
While my mother and I were dining, a gentleman approached me as I went up to get a few napkins. He stopped me to kindly tell me how elegant I looked and complimented my dress. We spoke for several minutes, and he shared that he was celebrating his father’s ninety-second birthday. As he spoke, he told me a little about his father’s life and their journey together.
What made the conversation especially meaningful was that only moments before, I had been quietly praying for them, especially his father. I found myself bringing before the Lord, in quiet prayer, the divisions that still exist in our world, the prejudices that harden hearts, and as a biracial woman, my longing to see Him transform people by His grace.
As our conversation came to an end, his father — the very man I had been praying for — came walking toward us and had now been standing beside me. He gave me a cautious smile and spoke only a few words, but in that brief encounter, I was able to wish him a happy birthday and tell him, “God bless you.”
“God bless you” isn’t a phrase I naturally say, so it caught me by surprise when I heard it. Yet in that moment, I sensed the Lord gently reminding me that He was doing something deeper — not only in their hearts, but in mine as well.
That moment stayed with me.
And I realized for a moment I had allowed that environment to alter my character, penetrate my thoughts, and affect the way I carried the heart God intended for me to share with others.
Later that evening, back at the hotel, I spent some time reading my devotional and reflecting on the day. I was in the book of Matthew, and it felt as though the Lord was continuing the conversation He had been having with my heart throughout the day.
And the revelation was this: When Jesus walked the earth, people reacted to Him differently. Not all were happy. Not all were pleasant. Some reacted to Him in fear. Many made false claims against Him and His own people had him crucified. But there were those who sought Him and His light. It is no different for believers who walk with Christ today.
“I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” — John 14:20
The message I ultimately left Kentucky with was not one of distaste, but an invitation.
Seek the Lord while He may be found.
Draw near to Him while He is near.
Pray for one another. Intercede for the hearts of those who need Him.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
God’s invitation is still open, and His mercy is still available.
His desire is that none should perish.
In the days of Noah, God provided one door on the ark. Today, He has provided us one Door again.
Jesus Christ is the Door.
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” — John 10:9
One Door. One Savior. One Love. God bless you.
