"What if...these little acts of obedience were a small part of a matrix of dominoes unfolding the glory of God (small because after all I am a small domino in huge matrix). Could He bypass me and find another route? Of course-He is God.
But what if I laid down my life domino and through that unleashed an army of others who laid down and unleashed their obedience and through this matrix-God's glory was displayed through the laying down of lives in the midst of a generation?"
"We are all dominoes in this. We all have our place in this. What is yours?
I beg you-all of us-to fall. Fall into obedience that will shape the glory of God in our generation. We don't want to get to heaven and realize we missed it. God rerouted around us...and besides maybe it will be fun!"
"So 4 years later...it turns out it's been pretty fun and I can't wait to see what happens next. I picture all of you in your places laying down your lives in so many small and big ways and I can't wait to get to heaven and see the impact all of our lives falling into each other had. I know it won't feel small then."
Maybe you recognize the voice of the domino visual. I only "found" Jennie Allen six months ago while searching for Christian Women Speakers, and immediately felt a heart connection. Jennie is the founder/visionary of "IF Gatherings". As I listened to this Live Chat three weeks ago, something within me responded. Jennie was calling for local leaders to arise and share the vision the Lord had placed on her heart to gather, equip and unleash women to live out their purpose in communities around the globe.
I began to pray. Lord...do You desire that I register as a local leader? I asked the Lord to specifically speak to me through His Word as I spent time with Him each morning. I started looking for the word "gather", opening my Bible and reading my scheduled passage in the chronological plan I've been following since January.
I began to document...
July 25
Isaiah 49:18 - the word "gather"
July 26
Isaiah 55:5 - nations coming to the Lord
Isaiah 56:8 - "I will gather still others...besides those already gathered."
July 27
Isaiah 60:3 - nations coming together
Isaiah 60:4 - "All assemble and come to you.."
Isaiah 60:21; 61:3 - The assembling happened for the glory of God.
July 30
Jeremiah 3:15 - the idea of the Lord giving shepherds who will lead their own communities/flocks
August 1
Nahum 3:18 - people are scattered with no one to gather them
August 2
Zephaniah 2:1 - "Gather together...gather yourselves together."
Habakkuk 1:5 - "Look at the nations and be amazed. For I am doing something in your days that you would not believe, even if it were told."
August 3
Zephaniah 3:8b,9 - the Lord has decided to gather nations and have them serve shoulder to shoulder
Zephaniah 3:20 - "I will gather you."
Even with all this repetition I was fearful. As the date for the local leaders event was fast approaching, I earnestly asked the Lord on August 8th to again speak with authority and confirmation.
August 8 - Jeremiah 8:14 - "Why are you sitting here? Gather together!" (Emphasis mine, but it's the way I heard it!)
Minutes later I had drafted an email and sent it out to 17 ladies all involved in leadership roles, influencing and impacting others. A couple were on vacation. Others lived a little further away. Ideally at least five would come. I waited. By faith I set my table for six. Ours would be an afternoon tea gathering.
My doorbell rang just once.
For the next two hours "two little dominoes" joined the matrix. Although disappointed that my table wasn't full, my heart was bursting. Together this dear one and I planned, dreamed, imagined, prayed and took hold of the vision.
Any great design starts with a single thread. Our two dominoes, although tiny, are needed to make the matrix complete.
Falling into obedience and laying down my life domino.
