As we go through our lives, we change. We evolve over the course of time. Goals are met. Some dreams we hold onto, others we let go. New goals are formulated. Old habits die. New and better disciplines are hopefully embraced.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)
In this passage, we find the very means of change. The word ‘transformed’ comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo”, which we get our word metamorphosis. We change from one form to another with the end result being our intended form.
As we permit God to change us, we are being moved to our intended form. The person He knew we would be before time even began.
At times, it may look as if there is a death which is occurring. But much the same way a caterpillar dies to itself, there is a death which much occur for life to truly be lived.
The caterpillar gives up of itself in order to achieve the greater goal, the intended form and purpose for which he was created. Although he emerges into life in the form of a caterpillar, he was not meant to remain as such. It is through this process, it then fulfills its God-intended purpose. Beauty is seen. The butterfly soars.
Can it be that our lives are the same? Do we go through changes, parts of our lives dying off, in order for new birth to occur? Is it then we become all God intends?
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Wednesday Prayer Girls . I was also featured this week at Women With Intention.
Pooh and Piglet were definitely onto something. I feel like I have been trapped in that caterpillar phase for too long. Thanks for the encouragement this morning! It’s time to give up the comfort of what is known and learn how to fly ;).
Candace, me too! So grateful He not only teaches us to fly, He gives us our wings!
The cocoon always seems much safer to the point that we may feel that we don’t need to emerge completely. We want to remain partially protected, one foot in one foot out kind of thinking. In reality if a butterfly fails to completely emerge from it’s cocoon sadly it will die. We must break free grabbing hold of the power that is found in Christ that we might live our lives for Him.
So loved all you shared. The cocoon always feels safer. Think about it – it starts from infancy with us wanting to be swaddled 🙂 Let’s emerge & grab hold of all God has for us.
Amen! ♥
Thanks for this post. I can always use a reminder that God is working even through death to conform me to the image of His Son. I love the caterpillar and butterfly. Piglet didn’t want the caterpillar to fear because the caterpillar would have new life. When I said “death” to what I thought I wanted…. so good, really and life through His perfect will.
Love you, Jo.
Mare, so grateful He brings us new life each day. May you embrace all He has for you! Blessings! XO
Oh, butterflies are my favorite for this reason exactly. I became a Christian on a retreat-type weekend called Chrysalis. It’s a three-day event built around this whole transformation idea. Ever since then, butterflies have been such a symbol to me and have them hanging throughout my house even now, decades later. Thanks for sharing this post. You encourage so well. xoxo
I love butterflies as well, Kristen, for they always seem to land on me. It’s amazing.Love the name of that retreat! May we continually let Him transform our lives. Have a blessed Sunday!