Metamorphosis......So I Could Live

Metamorphosis

Isaiah 40:31


King James Version (KJV)

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.



“A wonderful change has come over me!” Those lyrics seem to ring in my mind like  birds greeting in early Spring time. It’s wonderful! It’s glorious!

Last year, I made a decision to do things differently. I had to confront some issues in my life that appeared to have me bound, stuck. Anytime you are stuck, you can’t move! You can’t grow. You can’t help others grow. You can't seem to move out of the way of the stuff. Just stuck!

I imagine my life as a flowing stream of water…crisp, clear, on purpose, with a mission. I imagine me meandering down mountains, through valleys and eventually overflowing in the ocean of life. Yet, I couldn’t  move.

I often thought about the life cycle of the butterfly…egg, caterpillar, pupa, and butterfly

Eggs are laid on plants which become the food for the caterpillar.

My heart had to be planted on a real desire for the Word, a real desire to trust and have faith. I desired to be more purposeful in my prayer life. After constantly moving and going nowhere fast, I made the decision to lay down the burdens in my life and to give all of them to the Lord...again.

Caterpillar: The only job of the larva is to eat

Now that I had emptied myself before the Lord, I made room in my heart.

• A new way of thinking.
• A new way of feeling.
• A new way of experiencing life.
• A new way to love myself.

Chrysalis or Coccon- Transition stage (protected)

The transition was the most challenging. There is a reason this stage needed to be protected. Everyone around me wasn’t happy about my change. Everyone was not happy that I was being freed from past hurts. And because these relationships strained the Lord’s work, the Lord was strategic in how he changed my relationships. I was moved by the Spirit to leave some relationships behind while the Lord sent other people in my life. Remarkably, others helped protect my cocoon by praying for me and offering sincere encouragement. Others gave me space. I called people less and my phone didn’t ring as much. My walk and talk became more confident.

If you find yourself in a cocoon, stay in position until the Lord says move. Anxiety, other people’s expectation and impatience will make you leave before you are ready. I can truthfully say, “I had that testimony before!”

At last…..Butterfly- Reproduce for a short time

I know I have experienced real change…..I have a real peace inside of me. My purpose is a little clearer. I am in position and ready to proceed with what the Lord has for my life. I have certainly been humbled by the lessons learned. I know what it is to abide in Christ. I trusted the process…..I trusted my God…..The state of readiness is only for a short time…..Soon I'll fly!

I made the art quilt in the above picture as a symbol of journey.....



Prayer: Lord, it’s me, giving you honor and praise for what you have done in my life. I am thankful for the tears. I am thankful for the moments it hurt to deal with past issues. I praise you for teaching me to forgive and to bless others. Thank you , Lord for removing this burden from me and allowing your light to shine ever so brightly in my life. In Jesus name. Amen