Dominos of Change

As we get bogged down in the routine of our teaching and daily life it is easy to lose sight of the greater forces at play. We become quick to feel like our purpose is eroding and we question the reasons why we still do what we do…

In such moments like this I find great solace in two verses that anchor my trust in the plans and purposes of my Lord, Jesus Christ:

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Today, during the Children’s Sermon I was struck at seeing this message come alive through the illustration of a few simple dominos. It was a powerful reminder that God has specifically placed us where we are to play a part in fulfilling the will of his kingdom on Earth.

When we embrace our roles and listen for his guidance, we too can be instrumental in orchestrating the powerful changes that God will bring to pass. A willingness to embrace fully our called roles requires a sense of both courage and discernment, seeped in deep trust of God’s greater purpose over our lives. I’ve felt often that I lack this courage to do what has been asked of me from the Lord. Recognizing this as an area of growth in my life, I have sought out lessons from those who have walked in paths of courage with the Lord.

This has recently led me to study the lives of William Wilberforce and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  William fought fiercely to end the slave trade in England. Dietrich was a rare voice of church resistance against Nazi Germany and before the war’s end was martyred.

Both embraced fully the role that God laid before them. They allowed God to work through their lives being dominos of lasting change across generations and into our modern day. Their writings have taught me that my life will only be as meaningful as I allow it to be through God’s will and the glory I bring to his kingdom.

As teachers and educators we are not alone in our journey shaping the young people before us. We are but one specifically placed domino within our students’, their parents’, and our communities’ lives. Therefore, let us take great joy in our place within God’s plan, trusting that when the dominos fall we too will advance his kingdom!