Strength in the struggle
1st John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (NKJV)
Butterflies go through a four-stage cycle before becoming an actual butterfly. These four stages are, the egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa and finally the Imago stage (the actual butterfly itself). In each of these stages, there can be a struggle not only to get to the next stage, but to also avoid outside threats in order to continue to exist.
Some of these threats include, bacterial, viral, fungal infections, predators and crop spraying by local farmers. Only a small percentage of butterfly eggs ever reach adulthood.
One of the main reasons some of the butterflies make it to the (Imago) adult stage, is because of the strength they gained in struggles in their previous stages.
In our daily walk as Christians, there can be different struggles that we will experience to hinder us from growth and from getting to our next stage.
If we look at struggles as an opportunity to gain strength and become stronger, we can use struggles to make it to our next stage in our Christian growth.
1st Peter 2:2 “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”(NKJV)
What a Christian feeds upon, will also help with gaining and determining how much strength is obtained in the struggle.
As a Christian grows and gains strength in their struggle, their desire will change from “milk” to “meat.” The “milk” of the word will only sustain growth to a certain level. If a Christian wants to continue to grow and gain the strength that is needed for the next level of struggle, they will have to have the “meat” of the word.
Hebrews 5:13-14 ” For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. Vs. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age that is, those who by reason of use of their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” (NKJV)
The butterfly has set a powerful example for Christians to follow. In spite of any hardships or struggles that are encountered in its stages of growth, the butterfly uses struggles to strengthen itself to obtain mature adulthood.
Continue to be encouraged when you encounter struggles and believe that there is “strength in the struggle.”
Lord Jesus thank you for the strength that is gained in struggles, in Jesus name. Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
