Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FRAGILE (02/23/17)
-
TITLE: The Struggle | Previous Challenge Entry
By Judy Ewald
03/02/17 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Seeing new birth even of a baby chick is fascinating. Even if you want to help it is not wise, they have to build strength as they work to get out. Other animals that come from eggs are the same they have to go through the process, the struggle makes them strong enough to survive. This is God’s purpose.
The metamorphosis of a caterpillar, and how God arranged this plan, has always intrigued me. The female butterfly lays the larva on a leaf she knows her young will eat. Not all caterpillars like the same foliage. In a few days, they emerge as tiny hungry creatures, starting to eat immediately. They continue to eat where they are they, and any leaf they can find. They grow so fast they have to shed their skin at least four times.
When they are large enough, they spin the cocoon or chrysalis, then the magic begins. I used my imagination while sharing this process with the children as I was performing a Gospel show, as Hugs the Clown. I had a silk with a black and white picture of a caterpillar and put it in my change bag. This represented us before we became Christians. I would ask them how can we change? Go to church? Read the Bible? Be good? Be nice? Some would agree and others said no.
I had many colored silks and I placed them in the same bag, as I began to share the Gospel how Jesus died for our sins. Also how we had to trust and receive him. I had them repeat the Gospel, then with a flourish, I pulled out a big beautiful colorful butterfly! Every body rejoiced!
This process of transformation can be a fragile thing. Someone or something must die for life to transform. Many of us are not willing to look at that dark side when Jesus shines His light on us. It is hard to admit we are not capable of really improving and changing ourselves. He says we must die to self and give Him control. Our pride, and our wanting to maintain control, keeps us in the dark.
Years ago I listened to a business call. This man shared a profound thought when he said. “One person who has been honestly mistaken, and learns the “Truth” - they either cease to be “Mistaken” or cease to be “Honest.” I believe that when we first see the Light and Truth before we finally accept the Gospel and make it our own, can be a fragile time. We can either like that man said cease to be mistaken and give up the lies, accept the Lord and the Gospel, or walk away and not be honest and continue to live a lie in the dark.
I was hurting, confused trying to find truth. I couldn’t believe that He would really love a mess like me. But He never condemned, Jesus was very patient and never gave up on me. I am so glad I wanted the truth more than stay in my pain and believe the lies. I gave up the struggle and found my strength in the power of the Lord. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
“He will not crush the weakest reed, or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.” NLT Isaiah 42:3
When we are sharing the Good News lets walk in His Holy Spirit power with love, patience, and kindness.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
