FLY, FLY, FLY

He giveth power to the faint;
and to them who have no might
He increaseth strength.
Isaiah 40:29

I have always had an interest in butterflies since being in elementary school. That interest was always encouraged in my own mind because my Mother for some reason appreciated butterflies. She just loved them for some reason. We brought her here to the Smoky Mountains on vacation with us on a couple of occasions. I recall one visit when we were touring and stopped at the Ogle cabin near Gatlinburg. Off to the end of the porch was a very damp area on the ground. Swarming all over that damp area were more newly hatched baby butterflies than we could count. They were all an iridescent light blue with black trim. They were gorgeous. My Mother and I stood there as long as we could just watching them fluttering, at times on top of each other...it was more of a delight than I can explain.

My fascination with them began in an elementary school classroom. Our teacher brought three paper cups, each containing a cocoon. It was to be strictly for observation. She cautioned us to never touch the cocoons even if we saw them moving a little. She explained that inside each one was a beautiful baby butterfly. Sure enough, we began to see the cocoons slowly move a little; then one end opened up. We couldn't clearly see what was there, but it seemed almost overnight, a struggling little butterfly was twisting and turning to get it's body out of that dull, gray, ugly cocoon.

Our teacher said it would soon be time open a window in our classroom (yes there were such things back then) and sit those cups on the window ledge for soon the butterflies would be ready to fly. They did just that. I think we got to see only one of them take off. She then explained that with our help, those butterflies couldn't have flown away. She explained that in the struggle to come out of the cocoon, certain fluids were being released into the tiny veins of the butterfly wings that strengthened those wings so they could fly. Without that struggle, newly hatched butterflies could only sit, flop around helplessly and die probably by birds that would swoop down and fly away with them for food.

It's interesting to watch mature butterflies on a very warm, sunny day. As they land on flowers, they seem to sit and fold up their wings for that moment. Their wings are thin and delicate. That folding is a protective action by the butterfly to protect those wings from the heat. They will often do the same out in the open when there is rain. What a wonder those little creatures are. I'm amazed at all of the touches of beauty God created for our delight.

For some folks, salvation is a struggle. They twist, bend, rationalize, try to make sense of things but when they yield to that birth process, it's such a sweet thing. However as strong as a new Christian may feel, they are very vulnerable. Satan waits to sweep down to discourage and even destroy that new freedom and joy. He can't steal that new salvation, but he sure can do all to cause the person to question their decision. It's so important in those beginning days for that babe in Christ to begin to feel strength in the wings of their new life. Spiritual exercise of any kind that is Scriptural is vital to the survival of the new Christian. Her salvation cannot be lost but the every day life of it can be damaged.

What about those of us who are more mature “butterflies.” We may have come out of the old life, the old cocoons years ago. We stretched our wings through God's strength, provision and protection. The best of butterfly creatures know if their lives are to be extended, they have to take measures to survive. Not only are they in danger from circumstances of weather, but they may have to be constantly on guard of those dreaded butterfly nets folks use to capture them. Any intelligent butterfly must know that when caught in a net, it's life expectancy is being brought into serious question.

As more mature Christians, we face the danger of feeling super confident thinking we can face anything in this life with little help. Especially in the good times, we seem to feel we have the world on a string. When the hard times come, the wind goes out of our balloons and we feel we are flopping around like one of those floppy, immature butterflies. Take note that the new butterfly had to go through tremendous tension and struggle to even live. We too will and must struggle at times. If we keep those struggles in perspective, we will, in the end, be strengthened and will have grown in beneficial ways.

Last evening, our ladies Bible study met for it's last session for this winter season. Everything about my love for butterflies came mind. I made little favors (some know them as foldies) with a saying and a lifelike butterfly attached. I always hope a Bible study will be helpful, a learning process, but my main desire is that it be a springboard to greater spiritual development...a growth process on a very personal level. Those spiritual wings will need consistent strengthening through one's relationship with Jesus. Feeding is necessary, not nectar from flowers as a real butterfly, but through feeding on God's word. Those wings mean survival for a real butterfly so they do their best to protect them from various weather conditions. We too must be cautious in taking measures to protect our “wings”, our spiritual well being. We have to avoid the nets of the world that would want to capture us and take away from us the joy of the Lord if they can. We must have the fresh air of prayer. Prayer is our line that keeps us connected

So after all is said and done, what was the last thing I left my ladies with last night and would my desire for you as well....simple:

FLY, DEAR ONE...FLY!

Thank you, dear Father, for the wonders of nature you have provided for us and the lessons we can learn for it all. Help us, Father, to soar for You through the power of the Holy Spirit. Give us strength to avoid those nets Satan would cast our way to do us damage. Thank You for Who You are in our lives, for loving us and for the privilege of soaring for You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen