by Hazel Straub
How many of you have admired the beauty of butterflies and identified with their transformation from a caterpillar? There, however, is a process that it must go through before becoming a butterfly. First, the caterpillar emerges from a tiny egg and eats the leaves on which it arises. Extreme hunger causes it to shed its skin and grow to 100 times its original size. Second, it forms a chrysalis, which hangs from a twig or the underside of a leaf and hardens.
Inside, the pupa begins to digest its whole body. Soon, only a nutrient rich liquid remains, instead of the caterpillar. The wings and the entire butterfly form, in this restrictive protective environment. Finally, the butterfly fights its way out of the chrysalis, after under going a metamorphosis. Cutting the cocoon open to help, will result in underdeveloped wings that will never fly. The struggle to emerge, makes the butterfly strong. The butterfly rests for hours before flying. Then butterfly soars, in testimony of its Creator.
The ugly caterpillar’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly is a picture of what God does with our lives. When we hunger for God, we consume the Word of God, growing in fellowship with the Lord, praising, worshipping, listening and obeying. We desire nothing more than to become more like him. Then we undergo a process of transformation, in the dark restrictive protection of the chrysalis, dying to our flesh and feeding our spirit, dissolving into a liquid. We cry out to God, due to the painful process. Our metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly, shows the beauty created from difficulty.
It is important not to resist the process but to submit fully to the Master’s hand on our lives. Do not complain about the restrictions, on your life because they are your protection, during the process. At the set time, we struggle to cast off the last remnants of the old season. This struggle causes us to become God dependent, we need him. Then others will marvel at the beauty of Jesus, seen in the redeemed completely transformed life, as we soar in the light of God’s love. It will cost you everything but you will gain so much more!
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. (Romans 12:2 TPT)
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