Have you ever been stone skipping and noticed the ripples behind it? This image comes to mind when I ponder how one person’s sin can impact others. We often believe that our choices affect only us, but they almost always create a ripple effect behind us. One person’s choice to sin can have the potential to destroy generations. On the other hand, one person’s choice to walk the narrow path can change generations. Before I was a believer, I thought this way; I thought I could do, act, and live how I pleased and rarely thought about future consequences. I did not understand that every choice I made would impact my future even after being saved.

   Even though we are forgiven and made new by Jesus, we still can suffer the consequences of our actions. God has healed me to the point where I don’t live under the umbrella of shame; however, I often have grief over my past choices and mourn what could have been. My heart feels heavy, wishing I had known Jesus sooner and understood what hope and freedom in Christ honestly are. I grieve over that little girl who got swallowed up by the world with counterfeit love and lies. I grieve over innocence stripped away. It took me losing everything to come to repentance and finally choose to surrender and put my faith in God.

   I want people to recognize the consequences of their choices, as once a choice is made, it cannot be undone. I want to encourage people to maintain hope; as the saying goes, “Don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion” because that feeling is temporary. We must think from a future perspective: How will this choice affect us? How will this choice affect my children, my spouse, my family, my business, my job, my friends, and my grandchildren? How will this choice affect the world?

   There is no greater pain than watching your loved ones being affected by the sins of others. I am so grateful that God transformed me and made me a new person, shaping me into the Woman of God I am today. However, I still face the consequences of my past actions and those of others. I am living in the ripple effect of my sins and the choices of those around me. When I think about why God has rules that teach us how to live, I believe it is out of His gracious love to save us from a lifetime of pain and regret.

   God gave us His Word not only to show who He is and to communicate with us but also to help us live in peace in our temporarily broken world. This way, we can work towards changing it until we reach our true home in Heaven. I often think about how different the world would be if everyone abided by God. Instead of the ripple effect of sin, it can be the ripple effect of Godly love. Godly love can change generations and even the hardest of hearts because “love covers a multitude of sins.” [1 Peter 4:8 NASB]

   If I can help just one person think about the choice that could change their life forever, that is what I will do. I want to prevent someone from saying, “If I only knew, I wouldn’t have made that choice or multiple choices.” I understand the despair and heartbreak that comes from realizing the weight of your sins. I don’t know God’s plans for everyone’s lives, and sometimes, a person has to figuratively fall off a cliff to open their eyes, repent, and return to God. However, there is a better way. Don’t let your pride or stubbornness stop you from choosing the right path. The right path that leads you to the freedom you have been seeking unknowingly or knowingly.

   [Romans 8:1 KJV] states, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.” God has made it clear that my past is forgiven, and there is always hope, even if one chooses a different path. I am grateful for a God who constantly rescues and brings us back to Him. Although I often think about the ripple effect of my past affecting my future, I appreciate having a God who provides me with the strength to endure it all. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13 NASB]

   God not only makes you and your circumstances new but also makes them better. He turns everything that was meant for evil for good. [Isaiah 43:19] [Genesis 50:20] Suffering provides an opportunity to cultivate a deep relationship with God, softening your heart and bringing more understanding of others’ suffering in ways that wouldn’t be possible without it.

   I never want to bring fear or condemnation or make light of the decisions we felt we had to make at the time; that is not my intention. I aim to inspire and challenge you to pray and reflect before making any decision so you won’t have to mourn and grieve in the future. I also want to highlight that all my choices led me to my savior and rescuer, allowing me to help others. God is sovereign and has ultimate authority. Even if our lives don’t turn out as expected, He is right here, mourning and grieving alongside us. [Psalm 23:4] states: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God offers comfort, guidance, and correction, reminding us that He never abandons or forsakes us. [Hebrew 13:5 NIV] I hope you feel peace knowing our shepherd always watches over us.

-Athena

      Scriptures Below:

1. 1 Peter 4:8 NASB
2. Romans 8:1 KJV
3. Philippians 4:13 NASB
4. Isaiah 43:19
5. Genesis 50:20
6. Psalm 23:4
7. Hebrew 13:5 NIV