The Ripple Effect

Reading: Genesis 12

We don’t often think about how our choices will affect others when we are in the process of making them, but even if we don’t think about the effects, they’re still going to be there.

You have to wonder as you read the story of Abraham and Sarai going into Egypt if Abraham would have done things differently had he realized how great of an impact his choice to lie had on several other people – not just on him. Initially done to save himself, the lie he told (and had Sarai tell) resulted in terrible plagues on Pharaoh’s house and, ultimately, Abraham and Sarai being kicked out of Egypt. A lie told to protect himself – rather than depending on the God that he had clearly begun to worship as his God.

As much as I like to roll my eyes, shake my head, and say “Abraham, Abraham, Abraham. . . “How often do I do the exact same thing? Rather than depending on God to take care of a situation, I bulldoze into it myself – planning and working it out the way that I think will be best – not even consulting with God before I begin doing it. And very often, when that is my start, my end is very much like Abraham’s. Negative results for me and, unfortunately, very often, for those around me as well. Ripple / Ripple / Ripple

Dear Lord,

Please help me to learn to turn to You before I act on impulse. Help me to make choices with Your guidance that will result in ripples of blessing to those around me.