When a drop of water hits a still pond the water ripples all the way to the edge of the pond. It doesn’t stop until it reaches the edge. In our lives, our decisions we make are like these ripples which cascade into the future of our lives impacting us in different ways. Each day we are faced with millions of choices, some seemingly big or small, but they all create a ripple in our lives. So how do we know what choices we make will have the biggest impact, or largest Ripple Effect on our future? Who or what influences those choices?
Some decisions or choices that will have a big impact are clear, such as: where you choose to live, your career choice, who you marry etc. For me, Jesus my Lord and Saviour influences my choices and decisions greatly! However, I am still tempted to do things by my own will. Therefore, my greatest question of all is, how much of it is my choice alone, and how much of it is God influencing my choices? Am I seeking his will or my own? And most of all, have I made my Father God in Heaven happy and pleased with me?
When Jesus was baptized the heavens opened up and Father God said:
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Matthew 3:17
The will of the Father God is that his children become baptized in the Holy Spirit. This spiritual choice for christians is a HUGE one and it is one that we are called to do. It is a guarantee that if you are baptized you WILL please the Father in heaven. So, in 2009 I made the decision to be baptized, the scriptures are clear. However, when it comes to where we live, who we marry, or our career choices, those aren't so clearly laid out in scripture. Or are they?
After completing university in 2010 I was living in Victoria, B.C. trying to decide what career path to take. In a valley I sought God for guidance on this and remained in His word. Soon, through prayer and petition and reading his word, it was clear that he wanted me to address the sin in my life before I could move forward. When I walked in obedience to his word, and surrendered my sin, he blessed me with a job in Northern Manitoba. So with His peace in my heart I took the job and moved. This all happened a year after my baptism, I am so thankful I continued to walk in obedience to Him.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
The greatest blessing I later learned wasn’t my job, it was meeting my husband through that job and now we have two beautiful children! Talk about a ripple effect, hey? Each decision I made created a ripple leading to my wonderful family and life in the North. I am so thankful the Lord was with me every step of the way. Wherever you are in your life, don’t hesitate to seek the Lord, He will meet you where you are and he will guide you. The ripples of your life are in His hands and HE LOVES YOU!
Whitney Lennox works for Vale in the lab, is an active congregant of the Thompson Christian Centre Fellowship, a worship leader and a member of the Thompson Christian Council.
