THE DOMINO EFFECT
Unstoppable Faith: Overcoming Adversity & Living Empowered by the Spirit - Day 6
The “domino effect” describes the end result when a series of events work together to create a chain reaction. One situation sets up the conditions and triggers a subsequent reaction that follows. The phenomenon is similar to toppling down a row of dominoes that are standing in alignment.
This ripple effect often occurs within a short time frame, and we can see its devastating effects in the story of Stephen, a Spirit-filled servant of God who was martyred.
Two opposing forces collided on this day: the supernatural anointing that was evidenced in the boldness of Stephen’s message and the stubbornly hostile response of the unrepentant audience. The reasonable argument that this man of God communicated could not be easily toppled over, so his outraged adversaries relied on false accusations to bring about his catastrophic collapse.
Yet, the ripple effect they attempted to start did not stop on this day. The impact of Stephen’s life lingered and lead to the spread of the gospel throughout the world. His message could not be silenced by the spiritual blind and mute.
Stephen’s power was not in his words. He lived “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3) Everyone witnessed how He was a man “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:5) Without a doubt, he spoke “full of God’s grace and power.” (Acts 6:8)
Friend, Jesus has promised to give us words and wisdom that none of our adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (Luke 21:15) We can trust that whenever we face a hostile audience the Holy Spirit will teach us what we should say at that time. (Luke 12:12) The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (I Corinthians 1:25). God decides how the dominoes will fall, and what the impact will be when we speak boldly for His glory.