“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
I read that you should not help a butterfly out of its chrysalis. Butterflies actually needs the struggle of getting out. The process allows necessary fluids in its body to start moving and be pumped into its wings to expand and harden, allowing the butterfly to fly. Being deprived of the struggle will doom them to a life on the ground. The struggle is actually needed to complete the process of change.
I happen to come across this tidbit of information at the most perfect time in life because I had been dealing with a surge of struggles. New trials in business, my home and schooling my boys. Even the blessing of a promotion for my husband brought a trial. He was moved to the graveyard shift and I battle with being able to sleep when he is not home. I was exhausted and sleep deprived. On top of it all, my body was betraying me and I found myself dealing with two different autoimmune diseases. I suffered physical pain to the point of having difficulty getting out of bed.
At that point in my life, I felt like George Jetson on the out-of-control treadmill yelling “Jane! Get me off this crazy thing!” Quite honestly, that is how I feel about life during struggles more often than I would like to admit. I just want to yell “Lord! Get me off this crazy world!” But I am learning that there is a reason for the process of struggle and God will ultimately use it for His glory and our blessing. I do not know when or how or why, but I do know that He will.
Like the butterfly, I am being transformed through struggles. I learn to let go a little more each day and allow God to be in control. I learn that in the end it may not be what we want, but it will be ok. I learn to rely on His promises more and more. Like the butterfly, the struggle is necessary for complete spiritual change because we are in a state of transformation from earthly to heavenly preparing to fly into His glory.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being with us as we face trials, struggles and sufferings. Lord, help me to remember that the difficulties of this earth are temporary. Transform my heart to seek you for strength and guidance as we go through struggles.
Amen!