The Ripple Effect
"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain."1
Brett Blair reports how Henry P. Crowell contracted tuberculosis when a boy and couldn't go to school. After hearing a sermon by Dwight L. Moody, young Crowell prayed, "I can't be a preacher, but I can be a good businessman. God, if you will let me make money, I will use it in your service."
Under the doctor's advice Crowell worked outdoors for seven years and regained his health. He then bought the little run-down Quaker Mill at Ravanna, Ohio. Within ten years Quaker Oats was a household word to millions. Henry P. Crowell faithfully gave 60 to 70 percent of his income to God's causes, having advanced from an initial 10 percent.2
One of the recipients of Crowell's support was the Moody Bible Institute—the school that D. L. Moody founded in Chicago. God used Dwight L. Moody to be an encouragement and motivation to young Henry, which then led to the institute being blessed by the faithful financial support that Henry gave.
What you and I do today for God can also have a ripple effect and touch many other lives for years to come—and many for all eternity. So let's invest our time, our talents, and our life wisely, keeping eternal values in mind.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that no matter what my gifts and talents are—be they many or few—I can use them to serve You and help others. Please help me to do this and influence many for time and eternity. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."
1. Philippians 2:16.
2. Brett Blair, http://www.esermons.com/, 2002
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All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.