Unleashing Our Potential: The Ripple Effect of Faith
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that each of us is God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for us. Our lives are not accidents or afterthoughts; we are designed with purpose, intention, and staggering potential. Yet, many of us have believed the lie that we cannot make a difference, especially when faced with the overwhelming needs and brokenness of the world. But God’s Word and the testimony of history both declare otherwise: every action, every word, and even every moment of obedience can set off a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can see or imagine.
To illustrate this, we explored the “butterfly effect”—the scientific law that a small action, like a butterfly flapping its wings, can eventually lead to massive change elsewhere. This principle is not just theoretical; it’s been proven true in the physical world and, more importantly, in the lives of people. We traced the story of Norman Borlaug, whose work in hybridizing crops saved two billion lives, but whose impact was only possible because of a chain of people—Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver, and Moses Carver—each making a choice to act, to serve, to believe in someone else. None of them could have foreseen the full impact of their actions, but their faithfulness set off ripples that changed the world.
This same pattern is found throughout Scripture. Behind every well-known figure, like the Apostle Paul, stands someone in the shadows—like Barnabas—whose encouragement and willingness to stand with the outcast made all the difference. Barnabas’ simple act of vouching for Paul opened the door for the gospel to spread, for churches to be planted, and for much of the New Testament to be written. His ripple continues to touch lives today.
We are invited to step into this same story. Whether it’s sponsoring a child through Compassion, encouraging someone who feels forgotten, or simply being faithful in the small things, our obedience can set off ripples that only eternity will reveal. God is searching for hearts fully committed to Him, ready to go all in, and willing to trust that He can multiply our small acts into world-changing impact. We are blessed, not just for our own sake, but so that we can be a blessing to others—so that the ripples of God’s love and grace can reach the ends of the earth.
Key Takeaways
- God has uniquely designed each of us with purpose and potential, and our lives are meant to be more than just passive existence. The lie that we cannot make a difference is a tool of the enemy to keep us sidelined, but Scripture affirms that we are God’s masterpiece, created for good works that matter in ways we may never fully see. [02:10]
- The “butterfly effect” is not just a scientific curiosity; it is a spiritual reality. Every act of obedience, kindness, or encouragement—no matter how small—can set off a chain reaction that impacts lives far beyond our own, sometimes for generations. We must never underestimate the power of a single faithful decision. [10:30]
- History and Scripture are filled with examples of people whose quiet faithfulness in the background made world-changing impact. Whether it’s Moses Carver rescuing a child, Barnabas encouraging Paul, or someone sponsoring a child today, God often uses those in obscurity to accomplish His greatest purposes. [21:44]
- Encouragement and advocacy can be the catalyst for someone else’s destiny. Barnabas’ willingness to stand with Paul when no one else would opened the door for Paul’s ministry and the spread of the gospel. Our willingness to believe in and support others can unleash their God-given potential and change the course of history. [28:26]
- We are stewards of the blessings and opportunities God has given us, not by our own merit but by His sovereignty. Living with gratitude means recognizing our responsibility to use what we have—whether resources, influence, or time—to create ripples of hope, justice, and love in a world desperate for it. [38:56]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to Compassion Sunday
[02:10] - God’s Masterpiece and Purpose
[04:00] - The Lie: “You Can’t Make a Difference”
[06:30] - The Butterfly Effect Explained
[10:30] - The Ripple Effect in History
[13:50] - Norman Borlaug and the Chain of Impact
[16:42] - George Washington Carver’s Influence
[21:44] - Moses Carver’s Sacrifice
[23:30] - The Power of Small Acts
[25:50] - Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
[28:26] - Barnabas Stands with Paul
[31:40] - Creating Ripples Through Compassion
[34:43] - The Transformative Power of Sponsorship
[38:19] - Living with Gratitude and Responsibility
[38:56] - Closing Reflections and Challenge
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Ripples: You Are God’s Masterpiece”
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
> “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Acts 9:26-28 (NLT)
> “When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.”
2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT)
> “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be God’s masterpiece, and what are we created for?
2. In Acts 9, what role did Barnabas play in Paul’s life and ministry? ([28:26])
3. What is the “butterfly effect” as explained in the sermon, and how does it relate to our everyday actions? ([06:30])
4. In 2 Chronicles 16:9, what is God looking for as He searches the earth?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul describes us as God’s “masterpiece” rather than just “creation” or “servant”? What difference does that make in how we see ourselves? ([02:10])
2. How did Barnabas’ willingness to stand with Paul change the course of history for the early church? What might have happened if Barnabas hadn’t stepped in? ([28:26])
3. The sermon says, “Everything we do matters. Everything we say matters. Everything we don’t do matters.” Why is it so easy to believe the lie that our actions don’t make a difference? ([21:44])
4. What does it look like for someone’s heart to be “fully committed” to God, as described in 2 Chronicles 16:9? How is that different from partial commitment? ([38:56])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about the lie that “you can’t make a difference.” Have you ever believed this about yourself? What situations or voices have made you feel that way? ([04:00])
2. Think about a time when someone encouraged you or believed in you when others didn’t. How did that impact your life? Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to be a “Barnabas” for them? ([28:26])
3. The “butterfly effect” means small actions can have big results. What is one small act of obedience, kindness, or encouragement you could do this week that might start a ripple? ([10:30])
4. The sermon gave examples of people in history whose quiet faithfulness changed the world. Who is someone in your life (past or present) whose faithfulness has impacted you? How can you follow their example? ([21:44])
5. The pastor shared about sponsoring children through Compassion and how it creates ripples of hope. Is there a step of generosity or service God is prompting you to take, even if it feels small? What’s holding you back? ([31:40])
6. The message challenged us to live with gratitude and responsibility for the blessings we have. What is one practical way you can use your resources, influence, or time to bless someone else this month? ([38:19])
7. God is looking for hearts “fully committed” to Him. What area of your life do you find hardest to surrender fully to God? What would it look like to go “all in” in that area? ([38:56])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to open your eyes to the ripple effects of your life, to give you courage to step out in faith, and to help you see the opportunities He’s placed before you to be a blessing to others.
Devotional
Day 1: You Are God’s Masterpiece, Created for Good Works
Every person is uniquely crafted by God, not by accident or coincidence, but with a divine purpose and staggering potential. God’s intention is not for us to simply exist, but to step into the good works He has prepared for us, making a difference in the world around us. Even when the problems of the world seem overwhelming and we feel insignificant, we must remember that God has built into each of us the ability to create change and impact lives in ways we may never fully see or understand. [03:10]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What is one “good work” you sense God has prepared for you, but you’ve hesitated to step into because you felt too small or insignificant? What’s one step you can take today to move forward in it?
Day 2: The Ripple Effect—Your Actions Matter More Than You Know
Every action, word, and even inaction in our lives creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. Just as a single act of kindness or obedience can set off a chain reaction that impacts countless others, our willingness to get involved and make a difference can alter lives, communities, and even generations. The law of sensitive dependence upon initial conditions—what science calls the butterfly effect—reminds us that nothing we do is insignificant in God’s hands. [21:44]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: Think of a small act of kindness or obedience you can do today—who might be impacted by it, even if you never see the results?
Day 3: Encouragement Unlocks Potential in Others
Barnabas, known as the “son of encouragement,” played a pivotal role in the life of the Apostle Paul by believing in him when no one else would. His willingness to stand with Paul, vouch for his transformation, and encourage him opened the door for Paul’s ministry, which has shaped the faith of millions. Encouragement is not a small thing; it can be the catalyst that unlocks someone’s God-given potential and sets off a ripple effect for generations. [28:26]
Acts 9:26-28 (ESV)
And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement right now? How can you intentionally come alongside them and speak life into their calling or situation today?
Day 4: God Seeks Hearts Fully Committed to Him
God is actively searching the earth for people whose hearts are fully committed to Him, through whom He can display His strength and power. He is not looking for partial surrender or half-hearted devotion, but for those who are willing to go all in—trusting Him with their resources, their influence, and their lives. When we say yes to God, even in small ways, He can use us to create ripples that change the world. [36:50]
2 Chronicles 16:9a (ESV)
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been holding back from God? What would it look like to go “all in” with Him today?
Day 5: Live with Gratitude and Use Your Blessings to Bless Others
We did nothing to determine where or into what circumstances we were born; all that we have is a gift from God. Recognizing this, we are called to live with deep gratitude and to use our blessings to make a difference for those who have less. Rather than living in guilt or indifference, we are invited to respond with generosity and compassion, knowing that even small sacrifices can change lives and create ripples that only eternity will reveal. [38:56]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your resources or blessings today to tangibly help someone in need?
Quotes
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