There is no doubt about it, we are changing all the time. Let's grow upward into our next level of expression of His potential within us. Like the butterfly, ready to push his way out of the cocoon, it is time to break-free from our fears, insecurities, apprehensions, the false evidence appearing real (lies), etc.
We must shed this cocoon. It is no longer useful because it represents hidden perceptions about us that are not true. We find ourselves carrying around negative, false conclusions about ourselves. They can become a great weight and a burden. We are to lay weights and burdens aside.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ..." (
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
NIV)
The cocoon is like the strong man's armor (
Luke 11:21-22
For when a strong man like Satan is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe— until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
). The enemy of your soul will tell you that you are not good enough, smart enough, strong enough, pretty enough, handsome enough, intelligent enough, tall enough, nor small enough. You name your armor (your cocoon). You've heard the arguments in your mind. Paul says in
2 Corinthians 10:12
Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
it is not wise to compare ourselves. Once Satan's deception is exposed, the binding, lifeless hindrance loses it strength and we are able to take flight.
Sometimes we have to push, stretch, and then relax a moment, like the butterfly coming out of its cocoon. He must make his exit from that tight space, much like Lazarus coming out of his grave clothes. Lazarus, with the help of other human hands, was able to get unwrapped from the grave clothes.
"And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go." (
John 11:44
And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!"
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
KJV)
There are times when God will allow people to help us. There are times when only God will be our coach. If human hands were to help the butterfly by cutting him out of the cocoon, his wings would be drooped and unable to take flight. My friend, God knows what is best for us. He knows just how much push, stretch, and relaxation is needed to bring us out.
He wants to give us "beauty for ashes." Ashes are the useless things in our lives that no longer serve a life-giving purpose. Allow the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow them away.
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me ... To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.* He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come,* and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel,* he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
AMPC)
Unnecessary thoughts from the past can weigh our hearts, hopes, and dreams down until they are unable to take flight and breathe new life. Like the butterfly breaking out of his cocoon, it is time to take flight. Everything comes to full maturity in its time. Look up! It is time to rejoice! Our change has come!
