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On the Continuing Ripples of Sin

Yesterday marked an anniversary of sorts. I still remember every detail of that long ago Wednesday night prayer meeting like it was yesterday.

For so many people, life took an unbelievable turn. A wife lost her husband. Loving parents lost their daughter. Sons lost their father. Grandchildren lost their grandpa. Siblings lost their brother and sister. A church lost their Pastor. And I lost a best friend.

Lives were forever changed that night. Faith was tested, God's plan was doubted. Choices were made that affected countless lives.

I don't think anyone thought that it would last as long as it has. For years, I begged and pleaded. God will have the last word, though. Of that I am sure.

It's amazing how one event can effectively change your whole outlook on life and faith. I made a commitment that night to do my very best to live for God. If I can't live for God, how on earth can I expect Him to answer my prayers?

Eight years later and in all actuality, not much has changed- the choices that continue to be made in sin are still affecting countless lives. 

Had this not happened- as terrible as it was- I wonder what my relationship with God would be like. It really was something I hope to never experience again, but I am thankful all the same. My faith has ebbed and flowed in the last eight years, but I pray that through it all, God has been glorified and lives have been changed in a positive way, despite the ripples of sin and chaos.

Farther along we’ll know more about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.

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