The Beautiful Butterfly Believer

So Wednesdays seem to be my new church devotional night. Here is this weeks:

When I taught kindergarten several years ago, my students did a study on the life cycle of the butterfly. For two weeks, we observed the tiny eggs, the fat awkward caterpillars, and three beautiful green and gold chrysalises. Then, one day, one of the jewel-colored homes turned black. Through the clear shell, the folded-up butterfly could be seen. Several hours later, the chrysalis started to wiggle and jiggle. Very slowly, the butterfly began to break free...

Recently I read somewhere that butterflies must break out of their chrysalises by themselves. The struggle of pushing through their protective covering pumps blood through their wings and gives them the strength to ultimately fly. If an outside source -- such as a seemingly helpful human -- interferes, the butterfly will be permanently damaged and unable to flutter away.

When I look at the butterfly, I think of how we should be as Christians. As the egg holds the gift of life, we as Christians have the precious gift of faith. Like the hungry caterpillar, we should fill ourselves with the richness of the Gospel. Like the chrysalis, we should wait patiently for God's direction. And like the butterfly, we should push through the difficult times. These challenges will teach us lessons and make us stronger so that we can minister to others in their need. For like the butterfly, we are bearers of beauty -- Christ's beauty - and He has given us the power to soar above the worldly distractions that keep us from doing His work.