Refinement and The Reveal

What does refinement look like to you? When God refines it is to make something pure. Can it be a season where things are constantly tough. The pressure of life squeezing until you feel there is nothing left to give. If you are here, there are two ways to turn. To Jesus or to the world. Try Jesus Christ, because the world has nothing to offer you that is worthwhile. Let this moment right now be where you surrender your life to God by saying "Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus Christ name, Amen." When we make choice of Christ we no longer have to do things in our own strength. We will not entertain doing things in our own strength because it leaves us depleted and lacking direction, but when we surrender to God it reminds me of the process of the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly. 

The Larva (Caterpillar)

It starts with the egg, hatching into the larva which is the caterpillar. This stage of life reminds me of who we are in the world, we are born and living this life until we have an encounter with Jesus Christ. If you have watched the metamorphosis of a caterpillar you will notice that the cocoon process begins at the head of the caterpillar. The shedding of the skin begins to form a hard outer shell around its body. Again, When we encounter Jesus Christ in The Word of God it is in the mind where transformation takes place. Trials and tribulations come along and with the testing and purging, it can lead to us feeling lonely. In comparison to the caterpillar, the process of change happens alone in the cocoon phase. 

The Pupa (Chrysalis)

When the caterpillar enters into the Chrysalis (Cocoon), a radical transformation happens. The body begins to breaks down and a new body is formed. In the cocoon phase, it reminds me of how The Word of God enters in, to tear down the worldly perceptions we picked up over time. This is where we are refined and tested. It begins to reshape our minds giving us a renewed mind, heart, and body. When we allow the Word of God to govern our mind, it overflows into all areas of our life. We begin to break out of the old patterns and mindsets that kept us separated from God. 

The Butterfly (Reveal)

When the butterfly becomes strong enough and secure, it begins to break out of the hard shell. The lies we've told ourselves and what others have said begins to lose its grip. The Word of God begins to slide firmly in place of the lie and establishes a renewed perspective on life through the lens of Christ. The butterfly emerges, vibrant in color and ready to soar in its refined identity.  You are the butterfly, who has been refined by the fire and ready to soar. Spread your wings! It's time to fly.

God has a purpose and plan for your life. Do not allow the refining process stop you in your tracks. Get in the presence of God and allow him to comfort and teach you in the season of refinement. Read 1 Peter 1:3, ...live with great expectation!