Be a ripple
And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”
And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Luke 18:42-43
Jesus gives sight to a blind man.
The blind man rejoices.
Naturally.
But it doesn’t stop there. What happens next?
The crowd, also once blind but now seeing, praises God. The miracle has a ripple effect.
When Jesus heals a soul, he doesn’t stop with one.
Those who witness the miracle also receive a measure of healing. Of hope. Of faith. They, too, are enlightened. And rejoice. And would do well to glorify God.
If you are that delivered person—the one recovering sight—give God the glory for it.
And if you’re not that person, yet, or right now, look around you. You’ll see someone who is. Be amazed. Have faith. Give praise.
When God is glorified, the whole world becomes a brighter place. For all of us.
Be a ripple.
* * *
What miracle have you seen God do this week, large or small?
Who can you share that with?
revised for the archives
originally published here
Dear Lisa
The ripple affect is so much part of anything in life. A smile can brighten another person’s day and that blesses those he comes into contact the whole day. On the other hand unkind words can be like a cloud of thunder following you wherever you go amd it influences those around you very badly.
Much love XX
Mia
“Be a ripple” — what a great phrase! It’s easy to remember and immediately reminds me to “be a ripple” whether I’ve experienced a miracle or seen God’s work in someone else. (Visiting from Winsome Wednesday)
Blessings,
Laura
I’d rather be a ripple than drink the stuff (for those who don’t get the reference, Ripple was a cheap wine made in the late 60’s/early 70’s – you had to have lived through the era to get it, maybe). Great reminder, Lisa – thanks!
I can remember back in college when one student would have a financial need, even for small things like laundry money, and that would get told to 2 or 3 people before the Lord provided through the final one, and I thought, “It seems like it would be more ‘efficient’ for God to supply the money directly to the first person who needed it. But then everyone involved along the way, from those who shared the need or prayed or provided in some way, got to be part of the blessing, to see Gos work, and to give glory to God. Much better than the “efficient” way! II Corinthians 4:15: “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”
I like the perspective. It doesn’t have to be us to give praise and gratification to our Father who has compassion on all of us. We all need to be a ripple. The ripple effect can still be felt from two thousand years ago. While not a miracle, I got to share some Truth with friends yesterday. I’m praying for one.
Hi Lisa,
What a wonderful reminder of the ripple effect..love how efficient God can be 🙂 So happy to read your friend Lindsey does not have ALS…blessings to you 🙂 Praying today that he will get the proper treatment for GB.
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Yesterday, I was a ripple — but of the negative kind. My sour words rippled across my workplace and eventually to my home.
Can I take back the rock i tossed in?
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