The caterpillar certainly identifies with the feeling of loss and lack of control as his body slowly scrunches into a pupa or chrysalis. Darkness engulfs him, and he can no longer move.
His old self slowly dies but transforms into a beautiful butterfly that slowly emerges from captivity through a tiny opening. A struggle is necessary to push the fluid out of his body into his wings. If the struggle is hurried, the result will be shriveled wings and no ability to fly. After he stretches and dries his wings in a world of light, he is freed to fly.
“Perhaps the butterfly is proof
that you can go through a great deal of darkness
yet become something beautiful.”
– Beau Taplin –
“Just when the caterpillar
thought the world was over,
it became a butterfly.”
– Chang Tzu –
“And we all, who with unveiled faces
contemplate the Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into His image
with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“I am here to bring light in this world,
freeing everyone who believes in Me
from the darkness that blinds him.”
John 12:46 VOICE
Nothing Is Wasted
by Jason Gray
“The hurt that broke your heart
And left you trembling in the dark
Feeling lost and alone
Will tell you hope’s a lie
But what if every tear you cry
Will seed the ground where joy will grow
And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted…”
Freed to Fly 
From darkness into light . . . Yes, our Lord can redeem us from the shadows and shackles, bringing us to light and freedom. Beautifully said here, Trudy.
Blessings!
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Thank you, Martha. Those shadows and shackles don’t stand a chance against His redeeming love! He conquered the grave, and some day we will be fully free. May we cling to our Rescuer and look forward to being with Him forever! Blessings to you, too!
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This is lovely, Trudy! A caterpillar becoming a butterfly is such a great illustration of how a struggle can be necessary to produce beauty. It is always encouraging to remember that nothing is wasted with God and that he can work it all together for good! Love and hugs to you!
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Thank you, Lesley. It’s amazing how much God teaches us through His creatures, isn’t it? I find it so encouraging, too, that nothing is wasted with our Redeemer. I just need to really take it to heart more often! Love and hugs to you, too! May we always remember that a struggle is necessary in order to be transformed to the image of our Savior!
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Such glorious pictures that glorify His creation and how He redeems! No, nothing is wasted when we keep our eyes on Him instead of our troubles, too. Very beautiful, Trudy. Thanks for being sunshine in my day!
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That’s so sweet, Lynn! You have added sunshine in my day as well with your kind words. It’s a dark, rainy, cold day here again, so thank you. 🙂 May we keep our eyes on our Redeemer and our LIght-Giver!
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Trudy this is so beautiful. One year while we were homeschooling our kids, we raised a monarch butterfly and a swallowtail butterfly. It was such an amazing process, and the monarch burst forth on my Mom’s 75th Birthday, while she was visiting with us. Thank you for stirring that memory today, just when I needed it. Truly nothing is wasted with our Lord. Love & hugs to you! xoxo
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What a lovely birthday gift for your mom, Bettie! And truly an amazing gift for all of you. I’m so glad this memory stirred just when you need it. God cares so deeply and knows your every need. You have been on my heart and in my prayers. I pray God is strengthening you in body and spirit. Love and hugs to you, too! May we cling to our Redeemer who loves us so!
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I love Jason Gray’s music so much. It has such depth. This song is one of my favorites! So thankful that God can take our dark spaces and turn them into beautiful, light-filled areas. You are definitely one of the light-filled areas, Trudy!
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Yes, it’s amazing that God takes our dark spaces and turns them into beautiful, light-filled areas! Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. I truly can see the light of God’s love shine through you, too. May we always remember that in the hands of our Redeemer, nothing is wasted, no matter how difficult the struggle may be!
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Trudy, what caught my eye here was the word “slowly”, an adjective we would prefer not to have said about our ability to become transformed after a struggle and season of darkness. Or even when a goal or dream we have is thwarted or delayed. Hope deferred definitely does make the heart sick. But oh what a change it makes when the door opens just a crack and light seeps in! Thank you for this hope-filled analogy and beautiful, soulful song. They have truly spoken to my impatient heart today as I continue to wrestle with things beyond my control. Peace comes to us in the realisation of that, and in the act of letting go, as we trust God for timing and outcomes. Blessings, love and hugs! xo ❤
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So true, Joy. We’re not too keen on “slowly,” are we? Yes, hope deferred definitely does make our hearts sick. Even that crack of light God gives can encourage to go on in the struggle, can’t it? I’m so glad you found hope in the analogy and song. I’m so sorry you are wrestling with things beyond your control. It can be so hard to let go and trust God for the timing and outcomes. Blessings, love, and hugs to you, too! May we truly see that even in the midst of struggles and slowness, God is working to transform us into His image with ever-increasing glory!
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