Sister Space

Be like Noah and keep building!

By Monique R. Muhammad | Last updated: Jun 5, 2014 - 10:06:46 PM

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Sometimes, no matter what we do, what we build, how hard we work, we will have to experience a level of rejection. In fact, we should expect it as an “occupational hazard.” But how do we handle it?

Let us look at the story of Noah. According to the Holy Qur’an and the Bible, Noah was a righteous man, and he “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Because of this noble character, God chose Noah for a special assignment—to build an ark before God destroyed the wicked with a flood. Noah obeyed God’s command, under very trying circumstances. He endured humiliation and mockery from those who thought he was a fool for building an ark in a desert on dry land with no rain in sight.

Nevertheless, Noah kept building, and kept preaching to save those who would listen. We know the rest of the story very well. Every living thing on the Earth was destroyed, except for Noah and those that he brought on the ark with him.

One of the things I love about the story of Noah is his courage and tenacity to continue building what many rejected as useless. Noah’s great love for God, and his desire to be obedient gave him the stamina and endurance to keep building—and he did that for 150 years! I often reflect on the level of virtue and faith that was built in Noah as he was building. He is an example for anyone who is bold enough to stand in God’s Name to do anything.

Have you ever had an idea that you believed was very good, something that God put on your heart to accomplish, or an initiative that you were excited to share, only to find that no one else is “feeling” it? “THEY didn’t like my idea; THEY said it wasn’t going to work; THEY won’t help get this off the ground!” Could it be that the rejection we face is what God is using to build our endurance for a much bigger assignment? Could it be that “they” aren’t the ones who you are being prepared to reach, to help, to inspire? Many times we look for validation from other people, when God already gave us His validation when He created us in our mothers’ wombs. He requires patience as He evolves our ideas, gifts, and talents for His Glory, in His Time. Without a doubt, when God says “it is time,” we are unstoppable.

Consider these words of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan: “The Bible and Qur’an are filled with stories of how one person, with the help of God, created substantive change.” That doesn’t mean there will not be obstacles in people or circumstances. However, when the pain of rejection threatens to halt our progress, our faith in God should and must be strong to buttress the blow.

Be like Noah, and keep building. May Allah (God) bless us all with success.

(Monique R. Muhammad lives in Maryland and is a member of Muhammad Mosque No. 4, Washington D.C.)