Will You Build a Boat

If you are like me, certain songs trigger nostalgic memories. A song from the 80’s or 90’s may play on the radio. Even though I haven’t heard it for 20 or 30 years, the words instantly come back and I can sing along. My wife, Holly, thinks that it’s kind of funny because I listen mainly to Christian contemporary music today, but the pop and rock songs from decades ago are indelibly ingrained in my mind. I remember times of driving in my car as a high schooler and blasting the cassette tapes (don’t judge) so loud my rear-view mirror vibrated from all the power. I associate other songs with football or the Clay Center swimming pool or school dances. I was a proud member of Columbia House where I could order tapes (and later CD’s) in bulk.

Nonetheless, there is one song, which is more recent, that has the highest level of nostalgia for me. Colton Dixon’s “Build a Boat” is now legendary, not just in my mind, but for so many others who longed for hope. This song is a take on Noah’s faith to build the arc years before he witnessed a cloud in the sky or a single drop of rain tapping the top of his head. Here is a sample of the chorus:

I will build a boat in the sand where they say it never rains

I will stand up in faith, I’ll do anything it takes

With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades

I’ll build a boat in the desert place

And when the flood and the water starts to rise, yeah

I’ll ride the storm ’cause I got You by my side

With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades

I’ll build a boat, so let it rain

I’ll build a boat, so let it rain

Why would this song mean so much to me? In 2022, I pulled into my garage and “Build a Boat” was blasting on the radio. Yes, I was singing like no one was watching (or listening)! Alone in the car, I cranked the factory stereo on my CR-V and sang along. When the song came to the refrain, I boldly sang out loud “I will build a boat…” and I was interrupted. The words came to me as plainly as the words when I was called into full-time ministry. These words were frozen in time: “Will you build me a boat?” At this point, I just stopped, although the song played on. These words cut deep. Was I just singing to have fun or was I singing out loud to the God to whom I had offered my life? It was clear, God heard the words of fun, but returned with a serious question.

“What kind of boat?” I wondered. I began to pray seriously and ask difficult questions. I studied the Genesis and New Testament references to Noah. As the fog settled from this perplexing encounter, I grew more assured that my “boat” to build was starting a new church. God wanted a church where people could escape the coming storm. God wanted a church built on faith and not on sight. God wanted a church where people could have hope in Christ alone. Serving Jesus was about to get even more real. God needed builders. In part two, I’ll share that story…

“Will you build a boat?” For now, enjoy Colton Dixon’s song, but remember the One whom we address when singing!