We've all heard so much about how butterflies transform and how they go through metamorphosis. As Christians as we grow in our righteousness, we too are like butterflies, always changing.
But more of what inspires me about a butterfly is not its metamorphosis process but its fragility and long migration twice per year. Even though metamorphosis is an amazing creation of God’s handiwork, what impresses me also is the butterflies’ migration patterns, its fragility, and its ability to travel long distances through all types of weather.
The Red Admiral butterfly pictured above travels thousands of miles each year as it makes a great migration. I'm astounded by these butterflies’ fragility yet ability to travel thousands of miles through the heat, storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and so much more, and yet they make it to their winter homes in southern states like Florida and Texas (fs.usda.gov). These butterflies are also prevalent in Europe and Asia. Each year, thousands of Red Admirals make two migrations per year seeking food and better weather. They head north in the spring and south in the fall.
The butterflies are so beautiful, their colors are intoxicating as they fly by. If their wings get damaged, they struggle to fly. Isn't that how we are too? When our spirits get damaged and our souls get hurt, when we lose someone we love, or we're just struggling through a health problem, we too get damaged wings. Yet we get back up, and if we know God, we can reach for Him, ask for His help in prayer, and keep going on our journey.
As I look at myself and other human beings, we can be so fragile, our egos, our self-confidence, our relationships, but yet when we put on our wings and fly as God has asked us to do, we can fly along with him above the pain, above the storms, above the struggles to remain steadfast in faith and joy.
James 1:12 NIV states, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
So, take encouragement from the butterfly, its fragility is part of what makes it so special. And its ability to survive harsh conditions despite being so fragile is truly miraculous. Be encouraged to keep flying high!
Forever in Christ,
Allison
