Small Actions, Big Impact: The Butterfly Effect

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Individual Actions

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's decisive action at Gettysburg demonstrates that one person's courage and determination can change the course of history. His story reminds us that our actions, no matter how small they seem, can have monumental impacts. Chamberlain, a school teacher turned Union Army colonel, faced overwhelming odds during the Battle of Gettysburg. His decision to lead a bayonet charge when his regiment was out of ammunition turned the tide of the battle and played a pivotal role in the Union's victory. This act of bravery exemplifies how one person's resolve can influence the outcome of significant events.

In our daily lives, we may not face literal battles, but we do encounter situations that require courage and determination. Whether it's standing up for what is right, helping someone in need, or making a difficult decision, our actions can have far-reaching consequences. We must recognize the potential impact of our choices and strive to act with integrity and bravery, knowing that even small actions can lead to significant change. [12:47]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need to take a courageous stand. How can you rely on God's strength to make a decision that could positively impact others?

Day 2: Interconnectedness of Lives

The story of Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and George Washington Carver illustrates the interconnectedness of our lives. Each person's actions influenced the next, leading to the saving of billions of lives. Borlaug's work in hybridizing corn and wheat, which saved billions from famine, was made possible by Wallace, who initiated the agricultural project Borlaug led. Wallace, in turn, was inspired by Carver, who was saved and raised by Moses and Susan Carver. This chain of influence shows that our actions can ripple through time and affect countless others.

We often underestimate the impact of our actions on others. The relationships we build, the encouragement we offer, and the opportunities we create can have a profound effect on the lives of those around us. By recognizing the interconnectedness of our lives, we can be more intentional in our actions, knowing that they may influence future generations in ways we cannot foresee. [17:14]

1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV): "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when someone else's actions positively impacted your life. How can you be intentional in your actions today to positively influence someone else's future?

Day 3: Legacy of Influence

The sermon highlights how George Washington Carver's mentorship of a young Henry Wallace eventually led to agricultural advancements that saved billions. This teaches us that our influence on others, especially the younger generation, can have far-reaching and lasting effects. Carver's dedication to teaching and mentoring Wallace as a child planted the seeds for future innovations that would address global hunger.

Mentorship and guidance are powerful tools for shaping the future. By investing time and effort into nurturing others, we can help them realize their potential and inspire them to achieve great things. Our legacy is not just in our accomplishments but in the lives we touch and the people we inspire. [18:17]

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Reflection: Who in your life can you mentor or encourage today? How can you invest in their growth and development to help them reach their full potential?

Day 4: The Importance of Immediate Action

The story of Moses and Susan Carver rescuing and raising George Washington Carver underscores the importance of taking immediate and compassionate action. Their decision to save and nurture a child in need had profound implications for the future. By providing a safe and loving environment, they enabled Carver to grow into a man whose work would benefit millions.

Immediate action, especially when driven by compassion, can have significant and lasting effects. When we see a need, we should not hesitate to act, knowing that our efforts can make a difference. Whether it's helping someone in distress, offering support, or taking a stand for justice, our prompt actions can change lives. [21:20]

James 2:15-16 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs immediate help or support? How can you take compassionate action today to make a difference in their situation?

Day 5: Unique Potential and Responsibility

The sermon concludes by emphasizing that each person is unique and has been created with a purpose. Our actions have the power to change the world, and we must recognize the significance of our choices and their potential to impact future generations. Each of us has been given unique gifts and opportunities, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely.

Understanding our unique potential and responsibility can inspire us to live with purpose and intention. By seeking to understand our gifts and how we can use them to serve others, we can make meaningful contributions to the world. Our lives matter, and our actions can leave a lasting legacy. [22:25]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them today to make a positive impact on those around you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

The sermon explores the profound impact of individual actions, using the concept of the Butterfly Effect to illustrate how seemingly small actions can have far-reaching consequences. It begins with the story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a school teacher turned Union Army colonel, whose decisive action during the Battle of Gettysburg played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the United States. Chamberlain's courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds exemplify how one person's actions can alter the course of history.

The narrative then shifts to Norman Borlaug, a scientist whose work in hybridizing corn and wheat saved billions from famine. However, the sermon reveals that Borlaug's achievements were made possible by Henry Wallace, a former Vice President who initiated the agricultural project Borlaug led. The story further traces the influence back to George Washington Carver, who inspired Wallace as a child, and ultimately to Moses and Susan Carver, who saved and raised George Washington Carver.

These interconnected stories emphasize that every action, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the world. The sermon concludes by urging each individual to recognize their unique potential and the importance of their actions. It underscores that everyone has the power to make a difference, and that our lives and actions matter not just to ourselves, but to the world at large.

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Key Takeaways

1. reaching and lasting effects. [18:17]
4. The Importance of Immediate Action: The story of Moses and Susan Carver rescuing and raising George Washington Carver underscores the importance of taking immediate and compassionate action. Their decision to save and nurture a child in need had profound implications for the future.

5. Unique Potential and Responsibility: The sermon concludes by emphasizing that each person is unique and has been created with a purpose. Our actions have the power to change the world, and we must recognize the significance of our choices and their potential to impact future generations.

### [18:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:34] - Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's Stand
[05:06] - The Fourth Assault
[05:51] - The Fifth Assault and Bayonet Charge
[08:57] - Fix Bayonets and Charge
[11:24] - The Aftermath and Historical Impact
[12:47] - The Butterfly Effect
[15:14] - Norman Borlaug and Henry Wallace
[17:14] - George Washington Carver's Influence
[18:17] - The Farmer from Diamond, Missouri
[21:20] - Moses and Susan Carver's Rescue
[22:25] - The Significance of Your Actions

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the significant action taken by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain during the Battle of Gettysburg, and what were its consequences? [12:47]
How did Norman Borlaug's work in hybridizing corn and wheat come about, and who were the key figures that influenced his achievements? [17:14]
What immediate action did Moses and Susan Carver take that had a profound impact on the future? [21:20]
According to the sermon, how does the concept of the Butterfly Effect relate to our individual actions? [13:59]

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain illustrate the power of individual actions in shaping history? [12:47]
In what ways does the interconnectedness of lives, as seen in the stories of Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and George Washington Carver, reflect the biblical principle of being a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16)? [17:14]
How does the Apostle Paul's determination in Philippians 3:13-14 compare to the determination shown by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain during the battle? [05:06]
What lessons can we learn from Moses and Susan Carver's immediate and compassionate action in rescuing George Washington Carver? [21:20]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you took a small action that had a larger impact than you expected. How did this experience shape your understanding of the importance of your actions? [13:59]
Think about someone who has influenced your life in a significant way. How can you be intentional about influencing others positively, especially the younger generation? [18:17]
In what areas of your life do you feel called to take immediate action, similar to Moses and Susan Carver? What steps can you take this week to act on that calling? [21:20]
How can you apply the principle of the Butterfly Effect in your daily life to make a positive impact on your community and beyond? [13:59]
Identify a specific way you can "let your light shine before others" this week, as mentioned in Matthew 5:14-16. What practical steps will you take to ensure your actions glorify God?
How can you cultivate a mindset of pressing toward the goal, as Paul describes in Philippians 3:13-14, in your personal and spiritual life? What obstacles do you need to overcome to stay focused on this goal?
Consider the legacy you want to leave behind. What actions can you take today to ensure that your influence will have a lasting and positive impact on future generations? [22:25]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "How significant is my life? Do I make a difference when I move, when I act, when I do something? Does God notice? Do I really matter?" [00:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Every single thing you do matters. But it doesn't just matter to you, or your family, or your school, or your hometown. Every single thing you do matters to all of us. Forever." [13:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You have been created as one of a kind. On planet Earth, there has never been one like you and there will never be again. Your spirit, your feelings, your thoughts, ability to reason and act all exist in no one else." [22:25] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You have within you the power to change the world. Know that your actions cannot be hoarded, saved for later, or used selectively by your hands. Millions, billions of lives will be altered, caught up in a chain of events begun by you, this day." [23:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The very beating of your heart has meaning and purpose. Your actions have far greater value than silver or gold. Your life and what you do with it today matters. Forever. Forever, guys. Maybe so." [23:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is a human example of the Butterfly Effect. One man who made one move whose effects still ripple through our lives today. Gentlemen, you are no less of an example of the Butterfly Effect than Chamberlain was." [13:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When I'm faced with the choice of doing nothing or doing something, I will always choose to act! Then, the colonel, turning his back on the advancing enemy, looked down at his men and said, Fix bayonets!" [08:57] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Historians say that had Chamberlain not charged, the South would have won at Gettysburg. Further, historians say that had the South won at Gettysburg, the South would have won the war. And the war itself would have been over by the end of that summer." [12:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Exactly how far forward, gentlemen, do we need to take in your life to show the difference that you make? Guys, there are generations yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you take and the actions you make today and tomorrow and the next day." [22:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So really, it was the farmer from Diamond, Missouri. I see what we're doing here. It's the farmer from Diamond, Missouri who saved two billion people. Or was it his wife, Susan? It was she who demanded immediate action. It was she who organized the effort." [21:20] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?