How much more do you think we can learn about God?
May God who is able to do more than we can even imagine, whose power is at work in us, reveal the magnitude of his glory in everyone surrendered to Christ Jesus, both now and forever. — Ephesians 3:20–21 The Discussion Bible
History often remembers great preachers like Dwight L. Moody and Billy Graham, but what about the ordinary people behind them? Edward Kimball was just a humble Sunday school teacher when he led a shoe salesman—Dwight L. Moody—to Christ. Kimball had no idea that his simple act of obedience would help ignite a firestorm that would touch millions of lives.
Chain Reaction
One thing leads to another. Moody became one of the most influential evangelists of his time. Among those influenced by his ministry was Mordecai Ham, who in turn preached a revival meeting where a young man named Billy Graham gave his life to Christ. Graham went on to share the Gospel with more people than any evangelist in history.
It’s worth pausing to think: How many pastors, missionaries, and even celebrities were introduced to Jesus through Billy Graham’s ministry? Only Heaven will reveal the full ripple effect.
Circle Back
There’s a curious twist in this story. Edward Kimball’s own son Henry wasn’t saved through his father’s teaching. Later, through the ministry of Dwight Moody, the man Edward Kimball had introduced to Christ, would be the one to the salvation of Henry Kimball.
Sometimes the ripples circle back in ways we could never plan. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us: We should never allow ourselves to become weary in doing the good that God would have us do. We may never see the results, because we merely planted the seeds. Years later, someone else may do the harvesting for the Lord, which would never have happened if you hadn’t done your part.
Our efforts may not bear fruit where we expect them to, but God’s timing and purposes are greater than ours.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Outcomes
It’s tempting to think we have to do something dramatic to make a difference, but the Gospel spreads most often through small, faithful steps of obedience. Edward Kimball had no means to imagine what his quiet faithfulness would eventually lead to—the great ministries of Moody, Ham, and Graham. We can be sure that he was most thankful to know when his son Henry gave his heart to the Lord.
That’s the beauty of God’s Kingdom—we’re responsible for the effort, but God is responsible for how that effort will multiply. He’ll take care of the results. As Paul wrote to the church: “I planted seeds and Apollos watered, but God is the one who brings spiritual growth and produces the harvest” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Your Ripple
Every conversation, prayer, and act of kindness is like tossing a pebble into a pond. The ripples extend far beyond what we can see. You may never know the impact of your words or actions this side of eternity, but God does.
So the next time you wonder if your effort is too small to matter, remember the ripple effect. Your obedience today may change countless lives tomorrow.
The Ripple Effect
A pebble once tossed in a pond far away,
Made dancing ripples that didn’t end in a day.
A whisper of truth or a kind, gentle word,
Can echo through ages, though barely first heard.
Edward Kimball taught D.L. Moody, just one simple man,
And Moody led Mordecai Ham to be part of God’s plan.
After Ham caught the fire, Billy Graham fanned the flame.
The Gospel spread and the whole world knew God’s name.
For ripples keep moving. They circle and spin.
They reach out to places we’ve never been in.
A seed that you plant, though it hides from your view,
May blossom much later, where God does something new.
So don’t count your effort as little or small.
The Lord multiplies when we answer his call.
He takes your effort, though small it may seem,
And makes it grow bigger than you ever dreamed.
One act of obedience, humble and true,
Can change countless lives, though unseen by you.
The ripples keep spreading. His Kingdom expands,
By ordinary people in God’s mighty hands.
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