Daily Devotional

Ripple Effects

by Harry Ulep on July 06, 2021

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” - Hebrews 13:16

Growing up, one thing that continuously fascinated me was the idea of throwing rocks into the stillest of waters. Watching the rock impact the water, it's amazing the many ripples that are created from it, all flowing out from that one central point where the rock fell.  It’s an amazing change that occurs- the water starts so calm that we can see ourselves, yet one pebble can create a ripple effect that spreads across the entire surface of the water.

This got me thinking- isn’t this same principle true in our own lives? How we live, the things we do, the words we say, the moments we create are all creating ripple effects in the world around us. We are given the opportunity to leave a mark, yet it is up to us what type of mark that is. Many might think, “well that would take a huge rock to leave that impact”, but on the contrary, even the smallest of pebbles can create the ripples that alter the waters around it.

When we see and acknowledge what God has blessed us with, the things He so graciously gives to us, what do we do? Do we neglect to put it to use? Do we act like the servant in Matthew 25 in the Parable of the Talents and hide it out of fear? Or do we seek to actively serve God by using the gifts and opportunities He has given us?

By living a life that is reflecting Jesus Christ, we are being an influence for the Kingdom, using what God first gave to us and giving it back! It doesn’t take a celebrity, a famous figure, or even someone who is well-known. What it takes is someone faithful to God, acknowledging the good we can do with what we have, and doing something about it. When we take our blessings and become blessings to others, it is pleasing to God. Although the stillness and calm is peaceful, or as I would like to put it, comfortable, the ripples our lives create is how we can glorify God, allow Him to work in us, and minister to those around us.

Prayer: Father God, show me how my life can better reflect You and Your Word. May I not become complacent in the stillness, but seek to glorify You through the ripples. Give me eyes to see the lives around me who need to hear Your Word, those who need to experience Your love and grace, and may You use me to do good works and share with these people. All I have is from You and may I use it all to bring You the Glory and Honor forever. Amen.

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