“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Of course, we know how it goes: A caterpillar makes a cocoon for himself, sleeps in that cocoon for weeks, and then breaks out of that shell completely transformed into a beautiful butterfly.
As I ponder that phenomena, I’m reminded of a story of a little boy who was watching a butterfly emerge from a cocoon one spring day, and he thought he’d help him along in the process by breaking the shell open. But to his dismay, the little butterfly fell to the ground, tried to fly, but couldn’t. His wings weren’t strong enough because he didn’t experience the struggle of breaking the cocoon himself.
A powerful lesson is learned here: We must never seek to shortcut the process of struggling. Everyone experiences struggles and they’re meant for a specific purpose… to make you stronger. Some of these struggles are external and beyond our control while some of the struggles are internal and of our creation. Regardless of the source of the struggle, when we try to cut them short by numbing the pain with drunkenness, activities, busyness, or anything that distracts us from the struggle, we miss out on the strengthening God wants to bring about! Every struggle is an opportunity for growth and deepening of our relationship with God and with others. The struggle isn’t in place to hurt us, but to help; it’s not there to sidetrack us, but to strengthen us; it’s not taking place in order to build doubt, but to bring deliverance. The struggles, no matter how frustrating, hurtful, and disappointing, are the building blocks of our faith and trust.
Don’t shortcut the struggles in your life. They have a purpose. Instead, hold fast to Jesus Christ, who will reveal purpose for every pain and promises He will always bring you through victoriously and stronger than before! I dare you, today, to let go of your escape plan from the struggles, and reach for the One Who is doing a great work in you that will result in a great work in others. No matter what our friends and the “experts” may tell us, ALLOW YOUR STRUGGLES TO BUILD YOU UP BY TRUSTING IN GOD TO BRING YOU OUT OF THEM STRONGER THAN EVER!
Pray with Me:
One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Of course, we know how it goes: A caterpillar makes a cocoon for himself, sleeps in that cocoon for weeks, and then breaks out of that shell completely transformed into a beautiful butterfly.
As I ponder that phenomena, I’m reminded of a story of a little boy who was watching a butterfly emerge from a cocoon one spring day, and he thought he’d help him along in the process by breaking the shell open. But to his dismay, the little butterfly fell to the ground, tried to fly, but couldn’t. His wings weren’t strong enough because he didn’t experience the struggle of breaking the cocoon himself.
A powerful lesson is learned here: We must never seek to shortcut the process of struggling. Everyone experiences struggles and they’re meant for a specific purpose… to make you stronger. Some of these struggles are external and beyond our control while some of the struggles are internal and of our creation. Regardless of the source of the struggle, when we try to cut them short by numbing the pain with drunkenness, activities, busyness, or anything that distracts us from the struggle, we miss out on the strengthening God wants to bring about! Every struggle is an opportunity for growth and deepening of our relationship with God and with others. The struggle isn’t in place to hurt us, but to help; it’s not there to sidetrack us, but to strengthen us; it’s not taking place in order to build doubt, but to bring deliverance. The struggles, no matter how frustrating, hurtful, and disappointing, are the building blocks of our faith and trust.
Don’t shortcut the struggles in your life. They have a purpose. Instead, hold fast to Jesus Christ, who will reveal purpose for every pain and promises He will always bring you through victoriously and stronger than before! I dare you, today, to let go of your escape plan from the struggles, and reach for the One Who is doing a great work in you that will result in a great work in others. No matter what our friends and the “experts” may tell us, ALLOW YOUR STRUGGLES TO BUILD YOU UP BY TRUSTING IN GOD TO BRING YOU OUT OF THEM STRONGER THAN EVER!
Pray with Me:
Lord Jesus, I come before you today and confess that I have failed to see my struggles for what they really are: an opportunity for growth and strengthening. Help me let go of the past hurts and cast off the negativity that surrounds these struggles and pursue you with all of my heart so I will be stronger in you and so that I may experience the joy of meaningful relationships with others. Amen.
Amen!
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