Triggering A Chain Reaction

Luke 3:10 “What should we do then?”

Never underestimate the significance of small acts of obedience. One response to God’s voice triggers a chain reaction that can change the world.

In preparing the people for the coming Messiah, John the Baptist exhorted the crowd to repent and produce fruit in keeping with their repentance. They questioned him, “What should we do then?”  He directed them to start with “little” things. If you have an extra coat or food, share it with someone in need. If you’ve been cheating on your job, stop. Their small decisions to do what was right would make them ready for the “one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16).

When Jesus told Peter (Luke 5) to take his fishing boat back into the deep waters and cast his nets again, the soon-to-be disciple was not filled with inspiration. He’d been fishing all night and caught nothing. Common sense would say it’s a waste of time to go back, a fool’s errand. Yet, despite his exhaustion and skepticism, Peter responded to Jesus with these words, “…because you say so, I will let down the nets” (verse 5). He did what Jesus told him to do and the astonishing catch of fish that resulted changed his life forever.

It began with that one small act of obedience.

I remember the first time the Lord asked us to open our home up to someone. Violet, a friend of my mother-in-law’s, was seeking temporary refuge from her abusive husband. We had no idea at the time that our ‘yes’ would be the beginning of many others who would come to live with us as they sought a deeper walk with the Lord. It changed the course of our lives.

When I was first asked to teach a writing and speech class to homeschool students, I resisted. What did I possibly have to offer? Evidently, more than I realized, as the Lord used that small beginning to extend my teaching to college students and beyond.

How about you? Have you been asking the Lord, “What should I do?” Don’t be surprised if he directs you in something small. You might not understand it or even desire it, but I pray you will respond as Peter did, “because you say so, I will….”

It might be the start of something big!