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Caterpillar Background continued:
Eat and Grow
The butterfly’s next stage of life after the egg is a larva, which we also know as a caterpillar. In this stage, the caterpillar can grow to 5 times its original size and is constantly shedding skin to accommodate its new body. Its main purpose in this stage is to eat and grow. The little caterpillar stores energy that prepares it for the transformation. We must do the same.
Scripture Breakdown of Isaiah 55:1-3
Becoming a new creation is NOT self help or self improvement. It’s allowing God to recreate you and bring you into union with himself. What does that require of you? First, simply “Come.” Go to him, “give ear,” “listen.” Read his word and put it into practice, get to know him. The imagery is beautiful! He says “you who have no money, come buy and eat” That’s the real God. Constantly beckoning us though he knows who we really are and what we have to offer. Not much.
The promise is, if you go to him, your soul will live! Deep down inside, a full meaningful life is what we all really want. We just don’t know how to get it. If Satan can have you constantly recalculating from relationship, to job, to new fad diet in search of fulfillment, you miss out on the true answer. Going to God.
My Personal Story -
It’s important for me to share that there will be obstacles. It may be other people and what they think of you, your schedule, or maybe your very own feelings. As women, our emotions can influence us powerfully. Something I “eat” to help me push past this is a scripture in Jeremiah that says “the heart is deceitful above ALL things and without cure who can comprehend it?" This verse helps me to realize that DESPITE my feelings, which God says lie to my face, I can pursue him. Make this decision.
We’ve always viewed the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly as a beautiful thing yet if we view it on a biological level, it’s actually quite gross and uncomfortable. Some organs are growing, others disappearing. Tissue and exoskeleton are being broken down. Let's face it, change can be uncomfortable but don’t mistake comfort for peace. Comfort often fights against peace. None of us here would support a caterpillars decision to stay a caterpillar because it was too afraid, lazy, busy, or uninformed to take steps to becoming a butterfly. Let's not accept that from ourselves or each other. God has a beautiful plan for your life. Allow him to transform you.
A Practical? Get to know God through prayer and studying your bible. If you need help, ask someone you trust. God rewards humility!