“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
As Momma and I were doing our lateral raises (therapy exercises) yesterday, Momma talked about the times we used to watch the butterflies dry their wings and prepare for flight. She compared the slow movement of our outstretched arms to the movement of those fresh from the chrysalis butterflies.
Her comparison reminded me of what I learned while doing research for last year’s butterfly posts. I’ve always heard about the struggle of the chrysalis, but I found out there is rest in the chrysalis.
I’ve also heard how the butterfly has to fight it’s way out. Again, it’s not so. The chrysalis cracks open and allows the butterfly to begin the process of opening and drying its wings.
It’s a tedious and yet beautiful time as the butterfly slowly moves it wings up and down repeatedly. When its wings are totally dry, it flies away free and is no longer confined to the ground.
Easter is upon us and Jesus-followers are remembering what Jesus did for us and the freedom of new life in Him.
“Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NLT)
There doesn’t have to be struggle in the transition, because the LORD brings the transformation of our lives. He does the work of making us those new creations.
LORD, thank You for the full and abundant life You paid such a high price to give me. Teach me to agree with You, so I will live the life You’ve given me to the fullest degree and with Your joy.
And LORD, for all those reading this today, I ask Your added blessing on them. Help them to willingly submit to You and Your ways for them. No struggle, but complete surrender and perfect peace! Amen.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
