Butterfly Birth

The birth of a butterfly.  I accidentally came across this butterfly this morning when I went out to take out my kitchen compost.  I have never seen a butterfly birth in real life, and I was delighted!  Here it is on the side of my wrought iron fence, just coming out of it's cocoon.  It's wings must still be damp because it did not fly away as we watched it.


Just like this butterfly changing from a caterpillar to a butterfly, God gives us new chances in life.  He can transform our old self into something new, and more beautiful.  He can do this in all areas, but just like the butterfly, it doesn't happen over night.  Sometimes we have to go into our cocoon, and come out again different. 


He can even do this in our marriages.  He has done this in mine.  My husband and I went through a time when our world was rocked.  Our marriage was torn down to it's foundation, like a home destroyed by a hurricane.  With Christ we have been able to rebuild and make things right in our marriage.  We have worked hard, and with God's help, our marriage is better than it was, even in the beginning.  We now have a marriage built on the solid foundation of Christ, our hearts have been transformed, and we have a new beginning.  Life is not always what you think it will be, but when you trust in Christ, He will see you thru the storm.  That doesn't mean there won't be storms- 


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 NIV


Despite the troubles of this world, God will see us through.  He will heal our hearts, and prepare us for life in eternity.  Trust in Him, and you can have the peace that comes only through Him.


What if I don't like what's happening, this hurts, how can God do this? you may ask.  It's true, sometimes we don't like what God is doing, and we question, why would we believe in a God that would allow that to happen?  God says:


"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)


God can see the big picture, even when we cannot.  I like to think life is like a giant puzzle, our lives, and everyone else's are just a piece of that puzzle.  God can see the entire thing, from the beginning to the end of time.  He knows just where that piece needs to fit, to work out according to His plan.  There is no way for a single human to see all of that and determine what should happen.  We only know what we want, and what we determine would make us or our loved ones, the world around us better from our own perspective.  We cannot see the ripples, the effects of different choices, and how far they might reach.  That is where faith comes in.  We have to trust He knows what is right for us, and he knows the outcome, as he promises in John 16:33.  

It has been true in my life, He is faithful to his promises.  Life is not an easy road, and there are many pits.  My faith in Him does not depend on how well my life is going, for we will all have trouble.  Even so, I always know He is there to pick me up, and set my feet on the solid ground, and comfort me in my time of need.


Have a blessed day!  Rachel