In your experience of reading the flood story, what elements of the story make the least sense to you? What about the narrative challenges you the most?
Did the whole world really flood? Is it even possible to include two of every living animal species on a boat and have enough food to keep them alive for more than a month? And how is flooding the world a loving act from God? There are many valid questions surrounding this story, but we also have to wonder whether the ancient writers are even addressing these things. Are they trying to tell us something else altogether? Maybe our biggest challenge with Noah and the flood story stems from modern expectations and our attempt to read it on our own terms.
The difficulties we face reading these chapters are important to address, but the crucial first step is to take time to carefully listen to the message of the text on its own terms.