I recently read the book, The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews at our team retreat as an assignment from our director. It only took about 20-30 minutes to read and then we were to respond to the question — Does my life really matter?
The author shared that the theory, stated by Edward Lorenz, was that a butterfly could flap it’s wings and set molecules in motion which move other molecules and in turn would be eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the world. Edward was laughed at but 30 years later, physics professors proved that the a butterfly effect was accurate, now known as The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions.
One of the example the authors shares, goes all the way back to a man by the name of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a Union Army colonel July 2, 1863. With very poor odds they were able to capture the rebels at Gettysburg. In a hopeless situation, he chose to stand ground and fight. Eighty men, with no ammunition, captured over 400 enemy soldiers. It’s been said that had he not charged that day, that the rebels would have won that day and ultimately the war. And it’s assumed that if that had happened, we would exist as two countries, the Union and the Confederacy. The book continues to move through history, including Hitler’s reign and other historical events.
The point is, according to the author, “everything you do matters. Every move you make, every action you take…matters.” I would add, even if you do not see results currently. DO NOT give up. In 2 Chronicles 15:7 Azariah is telling Asa and others not to give up. Their work has a reward. And Paul writes the Thessalonians, “do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thess. 3:13.
If you are wondering if the time you are investing in Kingdom work is important, remember the story and know that you also have a “butterfly effect” that will be heard long after you are gone from this world. “This will be written for a later generation, and a newly created people will praise the LORD." Psalms 102:18 (HCSB)
By leading women today, you have the “butterfly effect” of touching the lives of those who are yet to be born! Can you even imagine? The author concludes, “You have been created in order that you might make a difference.” Continue faithfully serving and leading women, God will do far more through you than you will ever see in your lifetime.
