You have probably heard of "The Butterfly Effect." The law, also known as "the law of sensitive dependence on initial conditions," is part of what is known as "chaos theory." To sum it up, the law basically holds that small, even minute, changes or happenings can have major effects on other things. Let me say ... I believe in this principle ... because I have seen it happen!
In 2022, I was less than patient with the pace of our application to become a part of the Global Methodist Church. There were only a few hundred churches formed at that time. Then, as is usually the case when I am impatient, I decided I needed to approach things differently. So I asked a very dangerous question ... "If ya'll are having difficulty moving applications along, is there any way I can help?" Eight other people and I said essentially the same thing, and we were tasked with processing applications from around the world ... yes, the entire world! What happened has resulted in (in 2026) about 7500 churches (including many new church starts) on many continents, all over the world. It was chaotic, exhausting, and one of the best things I have done for Jesus in my life. A small group of people flapped their collective wings in America, and a whirlwind of churches, stories, testimonies, and new believers happened. NOT because of us ... but because God's Spirit was in this movement!
A man named Norman Borlaug was involved in developing wheat varieties that could grow in arid climates. You probably haven't heard of him, but his work is credited with saving 2 billion people from starvation ... you read that right, 2 billion! One man working with a small group of scientists! The Butterfly Effect!
Our staff here, working on the Abbeville Sacred Arts Initiative, started with 3 people, praying, dreaming, and "flapping our artistic wings." Just a writer and two musicians. Over the last three months, we have had Christian artists, performers, and community leaders come together in ways we could have never dreamed. We seem to get phone calls, inquiries, and interested people every day. We have received a CREO Arts Grant and are actively pursuing another grant. The River Youth and Children's Center is well underway (help if you can!). But I know that if anything good happens from all of this, it is due to the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit and the foundation of Jesus. The Butterfly Effect!
It shouldn't surprise us. 2000 years ago (give or take) an uneducated fisherman preached a sermon before a hostile crowd. All he had was a testimony, a relationship with Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. You can read his message in Acts 2. When he finished, bewildered Jews "cut to the heart" asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter answered, "Repent and be baptized!" 3000 people responded! Small beginnings, a few disciples filled with God's Spirit, and a huge outpouring. The Butterfly Effect!
Not chaos. Not turning the world upside down. But bringing things "round right" (Shaker Song). Maybe the Lord of the butterflies knows a thing or two that we should grasp! To God be the glory, great things He has done! AMEN? AMEN!
No comments:
Post a Comment