Moonbeams give way to the bolder light of morning; shades of fuschia, mauve, and coral brightening the shadowy landscape with the promise of a new day. Change is inevitable.
Sometimes, we can see it peeking over the horizon and remain unsurprised. At other times, there is an unexpected unraveling of the known and in its stead, the doctor shares an unfavorable test result.
Last week, my family physician confirmed that I have an autoimmune disease. A chronic illness. In typical fashion, I dove into research papers, studies, and statistics. My nuclei are spattered like a modern work of art when they shouldn’t be.Some of you face similar challenges.
Perhaps your marriage relationship is teetering on the brink of divorce. A prodigal seems beyond your reach. A family member or friend has betrayed your trust…again. Maybe you’ve received a diagnosis of your own. Cancer. Multiple sclerosis. Lupus.
[bbctt tweet="Growth leads to a final, determined struggle...a new creation.#hope#beauty#newness"]
While a caterpillar is encased within its chrysalis, its growth leads to an incredible transformation until one glorious day it emerges with a final, determined struggle…a new creation.
Our bodies may malfunction, our relationships struggle, our hearts ache. But in the midst of the worst, we can choose to look to the One whose own suffering led to ultimate healing. The Redeemer of all shattered dreams, dashed hopes, and lost years is not unaware of the struggle nor is he immune to your pain. Press into Him, dear one. Allow Him to wrap you in arms of comfort and grace as His word does an eternal work in heart and mind. Pray. Trust. Believe.
One day, you and I will be gloriously and completely transformed–shaped by our response to both the good and bad circumstances in our lives.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Today’s Verse for Reflection-And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda ,Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire , Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup, Fresh Market Fridays
Always love the butterfly analogies, we beat or wings to be strong, if the butterfly comes out or is cut out it can die. His timing is right. Healing prayers.
Hi Tammy, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I love hearing about the caterpillar and it’s transformation! What a glorious hope!
Hi Elizabeth. Thank you for your kind words. The butterfly is such a beautiful symbol of God’s transformative power. Peace and grace, Tammy
“Our bodies may malfunction, our relationships struggle, our hearts ache. But in the midst of the worst, we can choose to look to the One whose own suffering led to ultimate healing. The Redeemer of all shattered dreams, dashed hopes, and lost years is not unaware of the struggle nor is he immune to your pain. Press into Him, dear one. Allow Him to wrap you in arms of comfort and grace as His word does an eternal work in heart and mind. Pray. Trust. Believe.” This needs to be a meme or a T-shirt. I cannot tell you how this impacted me. Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m glad to know your heart was touched. Peace and grace to you friend, Tammy
I don’t know how my friend, but am pretty sure you’ve read one of my manuscripts Ms. Tammy. 🙂 Your words certainly ring true ma’am. An important point to remember is that the butterfly gains its strength to fly through its struggle to emerge from its pupa (chrysalis). Our struggles can become our strength if we allow our faith to have its full measure of growth. Well said ma’am.
I promise to stop reading your manuscript, J.D. It’s just so good! 🙂 May He use us in unexpected ways. Blessings, Tammy
I was just reading Psalm 119 this morning…verse 68 always jumps out at me and today was no exception, “You are good and You do good.” May that be our prayer in all circumstances.
Amen!
It’s so important to remember that being transformed into a new creation is difficult. It creates struggle and a war within ourselves. Thank you for this reminder about the true nature of spiritual growth.
Absolutely, Joshua! If Paul struggled, we shouldn’t be surprised as battle within ourselves. Sanctification is a process! Blessings, Tammy