Transformation

We’ve had a lot of butterflies visiting this season. White ones. Yellow ones. So lovely and graceful. They flit about the yard, high over the hedges, touching down on flowers and then launching off again into the sun-drenched summer air. They have the best view of the neighborhood from up there. And they’re so graceful. 

But they weren’t always that way. 

Just a few short weeks ago, they were caterpillars, crawling along the ground or on branches. Lowly. Humble. Unnoticed. Their view was that enormous ant hill in front of them. Or that colossal tulip stem in their path. They couldn’t possibly imagine the grandeur that awaited them after their transformation. 

Like people.

God reminded me the other day that I’m not the person I used to be. I’m not the woman I used to be. I’m not the mother I used to be. I’m not the Christian I used to be. I’m not the wife I used to be. I’m changed. He has changed me. I’ve come out of the chrysalis of change (time and process and the miracle of God creating me as a new person in Christ) to become a new creature. Sure, I make mistakes. Butterflies aren’t perfect. They’re just more graceful. They have a better view from up off the ground. They’re “closer” to their maker (i.e. they fly). 

I wonder if caterpillars know their future.

I wonder if they know they’d due for some huge changes, not only physically, but also where perspective is concerned. 

I couldn’t have even guessed I’d become the person I am today, and I can only imagine who I’ll be as God continues His work in me. 

And like the butterfly that came from a caterpillar’s cocoon, I can’t take credit for the changes. The transformation is for God’s glory. I drew near to Him, by His grace, and He changed me. 

And, oh, the butterfly’s new freedom! Where before the caterpillar’s life was limited to the plot of ground she could cover in her caterpillar days, as a butterfly she can see for miles, land on treetops, soar on warm breezes. So free! She’s living her calling, flying about and pollenating flowers and fruit trees. 

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore,

and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
(Galatians 5:1 ESV)

Jesus sets believers free for His glory, His purposes, His calling. What a delight to serve Him and fulfill one’s calling. We’re free from the dark confines of a limited space. Free to influence others and change the world through prayer and actions. Free to glorify our Savior, like a lovely butterfly beautifies the garden. 

Free. New. Saved. Purposeful. His. 

How has God changed you over the course of your new life in Him? And how can you glorify Him today?