Happy, More, Better…Struggle

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Like all responsible people this morning, I was watching a YouTube clip. A monarch caterpillar morphing into its chrysalis and it was like watching me get out of last year’s swim suit. (it has not been a good year for my motivation)

As he struggled, his caterpillar skin piled up at the top of the chrysalis. It was bizarre to watch, as before my eyes he swelled and changed into a bright green shell. I had never see the process up close before. He was literally a naked worm inside his cocoon. He left all the flashy stripes and protective markings were left at the entrance, as well as any chance for retreat or turning back. As he wriggled and squished out of it’s skin I couldn’t help but think, “someone told you you were going to be a butterfly, right?”

I bet no one told him about this step, did they.

Once he was all the way inside, the chrysalis began to shake wildly. I am sure he was just doing that Spanks jiggle test and getting the right fit, but all I could think was, “I hear ya, Buddy. No one warned me either.”

I was once told being a butterfly was just as easy.

I first heard it as a youth kid. Every concert and revival the emotional speaker was offering a come to Jesus speech that offered an end to all of my heart ache and pain. The “Happy, More, Better Plan” is what I like to call it now. Everyone tells you about the butterfly, but they forget to mention the chrysalis. There are years of growth and change that follow that simple little prayer.

In that little chamber of time is where the struggle of a lifetime is happening; the losing of your old ways and habits. The softening of your heart, like the liquified flesh of the caterpillar. I am still tempted to break out and go back to the old ways. You’ll want to yell when you are angry, for the momentary bliss of screaming and watching people scramble to fix the problem, but instead you learn humility and honesty. Temptations to medicate and run from your pain still come, but you learn to choose facing who you are head on. You will master making the hard decisions when no one is looking.

Growing wings is a mystery.

No one sees what happens in the secret chamber of the chrysalis. It is an internal work that stretches a great part of the butterfly’s lifespan. So it is with our walk of faith. Victory is not won with a quick prayer at a concert or revival. Faith is the internal working of the God of the universe, giving you wings. Helping you struggle and stretch, so one day you emerge unrecognizable. Ready to fly.

Have you have asked God to fix your troubles, change your life and save you? Don’t despair, he longs to fill you and give you His Spirit. If I have learned one thing in my lifetime it is this; Life does not get easier – You get stronger. Look to God for strength, and hope, and find true believers, who know this changing of a heart is a life-long process. Let them to support you while you grow and struggle. It is worth it.

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