It’s incredible how the Lord speaks through His creation. Nature displays His glory and splendor. God recently spoke to me about a butterfly’s metamorphosis. And it even relates to Jacob’s wrestling match. (Screech!) Come again? Let me explain this a bit more …
I’m right in the midst of major transformation. I received confirmation of that when I began to see butterflies floating around more often. Butterflies first came to symbolize change when I lived in China. Whenever I jogged by this river offshoot near my apartment, God comforted my heart by orchestrating butterflies to cross my path. Each time I saw one flutter, I knew Holy Spirit was with me.
Over the past week, I once again began noticing these fragile creatures flying around. And this is what I learned about a butterfly’s life cycle that relates to me and you …
Butterflies are born as caterpillars. They eat and eat and eat. Caterpillars purposely store up food for their adult life. This corresponds with us consuming the Word of God, hanging on Jesus’ every word for life and strength.
The caterpillar then prepares a cocoon. This stage is one of complete rest as dramatic transformation occurs. And get this: “It may look like nothing is going on [from the outside] but big changes are happening inside” (Drexel). I get lost in the circumstances often times, focusing on what I can see. But something far greater is taking place than I realize.
Time comes for the butterfly to emerge, a phase that it must do completely on its own. If it receives any help in this stage, it won’t be strong enough to survive outside of the cocoon. We receive our strength from the Lord in the flames of trial, allowing us to breakthrough in His victory. There are certain things we must accomplish alone with the Father.
“Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” (Genesis 32:24).
Take Jacob for example: he wrestled with God and wouldn’t let go until the Lord blessed him. And what blessing did Jacob receive? A new name and a hip popped out of socket. In other words, God gave Jacob a new identity and swagger. No longer was he Jacob but Israel. No longer could he walk without a limp; Israel had to depend upon and submit completely to the Lord. Transformation took place that evening, one that defined Israel for the remainder of his life. It was complete, dramatic, noticeable. Much like a butterfly’s metamorphosis or our transitional seasons so was Jacob’s wrestling match with God. We will never be the same. We must depend upon Him for everything. And He is transforming us far more than we can see now.
“And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).
