The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.
Those of us who believe and trust in God often enter into phases of our lives, our walk with God or our ministry where we begin to feel like we are losing ground or being left behind. We feel unproductive like we cannot get traction. This is not an accident.
This morning when I awoke God told me I'm in my chrysalis stage. I researched that term. It is one of the metamorphic stages in the life cycle of certain types of insects like the butterfly. It interested me that God told me this was where I was right now because I've been longing to understand why I can't seem to get anything done. As I began to read about this stage I understood that I'm in a place that isn't about what I can do. Rather I'm in a place in my life where God is proving to me what He and only He can do! He speaks to me and tells me to be still and know that He is God.
The insect in its chrysalis stage cannot move. It must wait. It must be patient. It will not become what it needs to become by thinking, doing, moving or with any effort of its own. The work can only be done while it is still. I thank my Bishop for letting me know that I've got to let go of some things so that I can be still and allow God to work His perfect work in me as an individual.
The insect in the chrysalis stage is defenseless on its own and needs protection. The reading stated that the insect is first camouflaged. It is hidden. Some are protected by other types of insects like ants, while others are protected by their parents. I took that to mean that while we are in this growth stage our job is not to try to defend ourselves--we are tasked only to be still to allow God to hide us under His wing. He will send others to speak up for us. He will allow those who watch for our souls to continue to cover us while we develop and grow. We will be loved and nurtured without effort on our own part. We must just accept it.
Sometimes an insect can go into a state of dormancy while in the chrysalis stage. The reading explained that sometimes the insect has not reached the right season and instead of losing all, the insect slows development. This dormancy can last from a few weeks to a few years. Isn't this just like us? We fail to understand that we may have great gifts within us, but those gifts are meant for a specific time and season and application. God would rather that we slow down and develop under His loving tutelage than to waste the potency of our gifts. What God has revealed to you in your heart and in your mind will come to pass. by faith--you child of Abraham. Do not be afraid of your dormancy. God is not through with you yet. One last point about the dormancy stage. The reading mentioned that the insect will go into this stage during the roughest times of its life. God will allow us to go into this stage when the events of our lives begin to tip toward unbearable. He promised that He wouldn't put more on us that we could bare. So we go into dormancy to be in a place of protection.
Finally, there is the emergence from the chrysalis. It was interesting to me that the reading stated that most insects emerge from their chrysalis in the morning. That reminded me that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Realize today that God isn't leaving you behind. You are simply in your chrysalis stage. Be developed. Allow God to groom you, to mold you, to make you and to change you. What emerges will surprise even you. If you wait upon the Lord, He will renew your strength. You will mount up on wings like an eagle, you will be able to walk and not grow weary. You will be able to run and not faint. You will be able to pray and commune with the Father. You will be able to endure more. You will be able to discern more. You will be more graceful. More patient. You will have the fruit of the spirit. Your ministry will bloom. Your gifts will make room for you. Be encouraged today! God wants to bless you. He knows the plans that He has for you. Plans to give you a hope and a future and not to harm you.
Stay in your chrysalis until God allows your break out and breakthrough. Be ready for the new you!
Those of us who believe and trust in God often enter into phases of our lives, our walk with God or our ministry where we begin to feel like we are losing ground or being left behind. We feel unproductive like we cannot get traction. This is not an accident.
This morning when I awoke God told me I'm in my chrysalis stage. I researched that term. It is one of the metamorphic stages in the life cycle of certain types of insects like the butterfly. It interested me that God told me this was where I was right now because I've been longing to understand why I can't seem to get anything done. As I began to read about this stage I understood that I'm in a place that isn't about what I can do. Rather I'm in a place in my life where God is proving to me what He and only He can do! He speaks to me and tells me to be still and know that He is God.
The insect in its chrysalis stage cannot move. It must wait. It must be patient. It will not become what it needs to become by thinking, doing, moving or with any effort of its own. The work can only be done while it is still. I thank my Bishop for letting me know that I've got to let go of some things so that I can be still and allow God to work His perfect work in me as an individual.
The insect in the chrysalis stage is defenseless on its own and needs protection. The reading stated that the insect is first camouflaged. It is hidden. Some are protected by other types of insects like ants, while others are protected by their parents. I took that to mean that while we are in this growth stage our job is not to try to defend ourselves--we are tasked only to be still to allow God to hide us under His wing. He will send others to speak up for us. He will allow those who watch for our souls to continue to cover us while we develop and grow. We will be loved and nurtured without effort on our own part. We must just accept it.
Sometimes an insect can go into a state of dormancy while in the chrysalis stage. The reading explained that sometimes the insect has not reached the right season and instead of losing all, the insect slows development. This dormancy can last from a few weeks to a few years. Isn't this just like us? We fail to understand that we may have great gifts within us, but those gifts are meant for a specific time and season and application. God would rather that we slow down and develop under His loving tutelage than to waste the potency of our gifts. What God has revealed to you in your heart and in your mind will come to pass. by faith--you child of Abraham. Do not be afraid of your dormancy. God is not through with you yet. One last point about the dormancy stage. The reading mentioned that the insect will go into this stage during the roughest times of its life. God will allow us to go into this stage when the events of our lives begin to tip toward unbearable. He promised that He wouldn't put more on us that we could bare. So we go into dormancy to be in a place of protection.
Finally, there is the emergence from the chrysalis. It was interesting to me that the reading stated that most insects emerge from their chrysalis in the morning. That reminded me that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Realize today that God isn't leaving you behind. You are simply in your chrysalis stage. Be developed. Allow God to groom you, to mold you, to make you and to change you. What emerges will surprise even you. If you wait upon the Lord, He will renew your strength. You will mount up on wings like an eagle, you will be able to walk and not grow weary. You will be able to run and not faint. You will be able to pray and commune with the Father. You will be able to endure more. You will be able to discern more. You will be more graceful. More patient. You will have the fruit of the spirit. Your ministry will bloom. Your gifts will make room for you. Be encouraged today! God wants to bless you. He knows the plans that He has for you. Plans to give you a hope and a future and not to harm you.
Stay in your chrysalis until God allows your break out and breakthrough. Be ready for the new you!
