There are many spiritual lessons that we may learn from the dove and the raven in the story of Noah’s ark. These lessons are very helpful for empowering godly wives as they experience and address marital challenges.

Lessons From the Dove

Two powerful spiritual lessons that we may learn from the dove are persistence and dedication and proof of transformation.

Persistence and Dedication

The dove in the story of the ark kept going out and coming in because it knew the mission. Noah wanted proof that it was time to leave the ark, and the dove stuck to the task until it was able to provide that proof. 

Keep trying with your kids, keep working on that thing at home, and keep the doors of communication open with your husband. Be persistent and dedicated until the proof arrives. Don’t give up until there is evidence of transformation.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

Proof of Transformation

When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. (Genesis 8:11 NIV)

The twig given to Noah was evidence that the flooded earth was being transformed into a place where life could thrive. Woman of God, wait for the twig to manifest in your marriage. In the meantime, keep going back to the ark of safety. Keep praying, keep trusting that God will intervene and manifest the change that you are hoping to see.

Lessons From the Crow

Two lessons from the crow that we may apply to our marriage are to avoid giving up too quickly and not leave the ark of safety.

Avoid Giving Up Too Quickly

The crow could have returned with a piece of carcass, but it didn’t bother. It saw something enticing, forgot about the mission, and gave up in just one go.

The crow quickly ventured out on its own rather than ‘sticking around’ with Noah. Don’t make this mistake! Don’t hastily give up on the ark of safety for selfish ambitions.

Marriage is a team effort, not a one-woman show. When you feel tempted to do things on your own, remember that your marriage is an ark and your Noah is still there waiting for you.

Don’t Leave the Ark of Safety

The crow left the ark and started to wander to and fro. It may have enjoyed the freedom of flying carefree, but it was all alone with no life partner.

Don’t leave the ark of safety to simply wander about. Are you going to give up and turn your back on companionship, comfort, and care?

Marriage is an ark of spiritual, emotional, and even physical safety. Family worship, date nights, hugging, kissing, and playing together are some activities that foster bonding and create a sense of security.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV)

Don’t underestimate the power of togetherness that marriage offers. Though there are challenges, it’s wiser to face them together with your husband than to try fixing things all by yourself.

Final Thought

The crow or the dove? As empowering godly wives, we may respond to marital challenges by considering the actions of these two birds mentioned in the story of Noah and the ark. We can fly away, never to return, like the crow, or we can be persistent like the dove who made many trips.

Our marriages and families are like arks. They are meant to protect us from the floods of life while offering companionship. We cannot abandon our families and marriages immaturely/hastily. We have to be persistent as we relate to each other, go through our storms, and face the aftermath of the challenges that we experience together.