Monday, June 5, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed The Butterfly Effect series, because I love history! I especially love hearing and reading about the heroes of our faith—men and women who took God’s Word seriously and, as a result, lived powerful, impactful lives. But none of our heroes lived trouble-free lives. Quite the contrary, but the stresses of their lives produced strength, faith, tenacity, and humility through their adversity. Their faith in the plan and purpose they believed God created them to live out is what makes us admire them today. Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I have that type of faith?”
As Pastor Andy Rectenwald pointed out, William Tyndale lived in a time very different from ours, and yet, in some respects, not so different. We live in a culture that no longer respects or honors God or his Word. I recently saw a study that showed what we already know from looking at the deterioration of our cultural values—people are leaving the Church in increasing numbers.
People are turning to false gods, just like in Tyndale’s day when the Pope’s word had more value than God’s word. Today they value the ever-changing word of the Twitter-verse, where people voice their opinions and expect others to honor them as “truth.” But Jesus came as God’s Son and said that he was the way, the truth, and the life—that no one could come to (know) the Father except through him (John 14:6).
Do you believe that? And if so, what are you willing to do about it?
James 2:14-16
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
Many years ago, I heard a message on holy discontent—something God has placed on your heart that, as Popeye would say, “I can’t stands no more!”
For Corrie ten Boom, it was Hilter’s deadly treatment of the Jews and other marginalized members of society. For Harriet Tubman, it was to lead as many of her fellow slaves to freedom as possible. For Dietrich Bonhoeffer, it was to stand up against the evils of Hilter’s Germany. For William Tyndale, it was to defy the church establishment, which was encouraging ungodly practices, to bring the gospel to everyone. For me, it is defending the rights of the unborn that are currently being challenged in Ohio.
What is it for you?
Do you sincerely believe that God can act through you to leave an impact beyond the years of your life? Are you waiting for the Church to stand up and speak out against the issues that run so contrary to God’s Word?
Well, as followers of Christ, we ARE the Church. You have the opportunity to start a butterfly effect in your section of influence in the world. These heroes of the faith invite you to believe it and live it! When you truly believe the following verses, you can wade into all that God directs!
Romans 8:35-37
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us (emphasis added).
Questions:
What issue brings about a holy discontent in your spirit? Can you find out more about that issue and how to make a change?
Next Steps:
It is easy to look around and find things that should be different, in an “it shouldn’t be like that” way. Pray about one or two of those things and then pause to hear if God directs you to take some action. If he does, then take it! This might mean registering to vote, learning about the issues and what the candidates really have in mind, then voting your biblical values. Or it could be signing up for that mission trip to serve God’s people in another country, even though you’ve never traveled out of the U.S. and hate to fly.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I desire with my whole heart to fulfill the plans and purpose that you have for my life. Help me trust your Word, allowing it to guide me into the faithful action you’re calling me to. Help me to be loving and prayerful in all my interactions with people whose worldview differs from my own. Bring your grace into each and every conversation. Help me to be kind and compassionate to those who need to know you more than anything. In your beautiful name I pray. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.