God reveals Himself in so many things daily. If we stop for just a moment, we can see His activity in all of creation. Several weeks ago I was on a retreat and one of the themes for the weekend was bright colors and butterflys. I've always liked butterflys--they are so beautiful and graceful. I've taken my daughter to the Cockrell Butterfly Exhibit many times. It's quite extraordinary.
The butterfly is another one of God's miraculous works. A butterfly begins as a caterpillar and over a two week period goes through a metamorphosis by which it is surrounded by a cocoon which it must escape. In order for the butterfly to develop it must break through the cocoon--it is literally a struggle. (If you haven't been to the butterfly museum--go and make sure to watch this--they have an area where you can watch every stage). If there is no struggle the butterflys wings do not develop properly and it can not function as God designed.
Our lives are alot like the metamorphosis of the butterfly. Many times in our lives we will deal with struggles. We have different struggles that we must go through--with our spouse, our children, employer, financially,etc. Each of these struggles is an opportunity to be transformed more into the image of God. God created us in His image and desires for us to trust Him in all circumstances--even the struggles. James 1:2-5 tells us, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. It's hard to imagine a struggle you are going through to be pure joy but God can give you joy in the midst of it all.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. Great news! After the struggle, God Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast--isn't that encouraging?
God has a purpose for every struggle you are going through in your life. Not one detail is a surprise to God. He wants the best for you; after all, He created you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). Not only will He restore you, He will lift you up and carry you. He does want you to trust Him. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Every struggle has an end (Praise God!) He will uphold you with his righteous right hand and help you bear it. We must always remember who God is and what He has done for us. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 139 is a great reminder that God is with us always and cares for us deeply.
May you thank (praise) God in your struggle today!
