Be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4: 23-4
Have you ever been in awe of something so spectacular that you were able to relive the experience years later?
One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen was a kaleidoscope of monarch butterflies. Without a sound their tiny bodies opened and closed their stunning wings, as they fluttered from one side of the bush to the other.
Their dance, close to indescribable, is perhaps why I am still captivated by butterfly memories today.
I can still envision my son’s long legs sprinting across the yard, to show off a hairy, dingy looking caterpillar stuck on a stick to his sister, and the time when I ordered a butterfly kit for my kindergarten class. I can still see standing with tippy toes atop a stool, each of my thirty-two students, who would take turns caring for, and peering into the makeshift habitat for even the slightest sign of change.
From caterpillar to butterfly crafts, to the interactive life cycle poster on the wall, the hands-on activities helped squelch their impatience until the time arrived to release the classroom butterfly out on the playground. Their innocent squeals, and wide eyed wonder of watching a life change right before their little eyes was one of the most exciting things they had ever seen.
Isn’t life like that though? Every now and then God grabs our attention through the natural course of events: wedding celebrations, a baby’s birth, training a pet puppy, or nursing a family member, all of which fills us with great joy, hope, and sometimes challenge.
Too often, though, true focus can be stolen away when we break out our wallets. Tossing that extra treat in the cart, a bottle to drink, something shiny we just gotta have, or we test drive a new vehicle. Before we know it, we’re on a slippery slope.
Instead of being in that downward spiral, we too can break free to discover our wings. Grabbing hold of the Lord’s hand you and I can dust off our pants, and make that upward climb. Just like caterpillars, a little fuzzy and prickly on the outside, we too need time to grow before shedding the protective shells we’ve built.
Inside the silence of the cocoon, the Holy Spirit helps us shed our “former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4: 22-24).
It is only after God makes us new that we can grow in faith and maturity. And you know what the great thing is? We never have to do it alone.
God promises, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezekiel 36: 25-27).
In the waiting, confronting, and confessing, God softens our hearts. As we become willing to obey, we break free from the protective shell we’ve built around our physical self trying to conceal our imperfections. We pretend we’re fine, but begin to accept we can no longer do it alone, and so change is slow.
Growing in readiness and silence we reap the life changing rewards.
Emerging at just the right time, a spiritual transformation occurs. Renewed and rejuvenated in Christ we become ready to spread our wings, and reveal to the world our outward beauty.
With childlike faith modeling Jesus’ behaviors, the Holy Spirit’s love and limits direct us, guide us, and He even intercedes for us. His ways become our ways.
Our radical spiritual transformation begins and ends in Jesus.
Come now, my sister, discover your wings. You are predestined. Know that “all the days ordained for you were written in God’s book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139: 16).
Fly with resurrection power, and soar like you never have before.
Let’s pray.
O’Holy Spirit,
Day by day I’ve been sensing how your Almighty power has been drawing me closer to becoming the wondrous woman I am created to be.
You’ve made it possible for me to embrace new beginnings, and I will be forever grateful.
What an honor and privilege it is to have God’s indescribable love made evident to me. Thank you for helping me become spiritually alive!
I’m told that Jesus changes me on the inside, so others will see God’s goodness through me, on the outside. That’s an awesome responsibility, and so I wish to thank you for being my faithful Helper along this journey and into eternity.
Just as you came upon Jesus as He was baptized, and later appointed His disciples to continue His ministry, it is now my turn to go and do the same. Guide me to become increasingly aware of God’s love, so I may submit and serve Him, and Him alone.
Please accept my grateful heart. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Thank you, sweet friend, for being a special part of the Faith First Women family. Your encouragement and support mean the world to me.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
Sending love and blessings.
To share your personal connection to this week’s blog, or your praises, and prayer requests just email me at sue@faithfirstwomen.com, and I will happily get back to you.
Dig deeper by responding to these connection questions in your journal:
1. Reflect upon your relationship with Jesus. As you continue to listen and lead from your heart, what are you discovering about yourself through your conversations with him?
2. What places can you visit to visualize in your mind’s eye that will bring you a sense of connection-feel a bit lighter, stand a little taller, and walk away more refreshed than when you came? Close your eyes, use your five senses and envision being there with Jesus.
Think about what it’s like in your special place. Journal your response. Use this technique by inserting your favorite place, to become spiritually strong when you pray.
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Today’s reflection was taken from Reflect, Recharge, & Reclaim Your Life 10 Keys for Women to Deepen Their Faith Through Prayer.
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Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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