Summer 1996
Do Not Disturb My Cocoon
Unknown

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but
now I have kept thy Word ... it is good for
me that I have been afflicted; that I might
learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:67, 71.

The Lord has placed many things in nature, such as the butterfly, to help us in understanding His ways.

This beautiful creature does not begin its life clothed in the artistry of colorful, elegant wings. Indeed, it is nothing more than a wretched worm! Hear the words of the Psalmist,

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why
art Thou so far from helping me, and from the
words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the
daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night
season, and am not silent ... but I am a worm,
and no man, a reproach of men and despised of
the people, all they that see me laugh me to
scorn" Psalm 22:1-2,6-7a.

Within this worm that is destined to become this beautiful mature butterfly are special glands, which at the proper time, begin to secrete a liquid that hardens as soon as it strikes the air. The worm becomes enveloped completely in a cocoon, within which a wonderful miracle ensues that we call "metamorphosis." The worm is transformed in this hidden place.

In comparison, at the core of mankind is the corrupt Adamic nature, which Jesus bore in redemption upon the cross in our behalf. This sinful nature exudes from us in all kinds of ways and draws to us the very troubles that would seemingly "encase" us in a "cocoon" of suffering and sorrow.

Hot fires seem to burn within our souls, and cleansing tears flow when we come into real repentance and begin to see ourselves in truth and in the light of who Jesus is. Then, at just the right time, we begin to wrestle, developing "spiritual muscle," and we pierce through our "cocoon," our old sin nature, and enter into a whole new dimension of spiritual life and freedom. Hallelujah! God has met us in our deepest agony, and we have come to experience His love more perfectly.

There is the story of a fisherman who, while lazily awaiting a nibble on his line, noticed a cocoon near him. His eye caught movement and, as he watched there began a great struggle. The little creature within gave a terrific battle for freedom from the cocoon prison.

After some time, the fisherman felt compassion for the tiny creature, so he reached down and broke apart the cocoon. After he had peeled it away, he watched the creature's beautiful wings begin to unfold. It was lovely indeed. But then, something went wrong. The man could see that its muscles were not yet developed, and it flopped over. The complete transformation had been prematurely interrupted. The fisherman had ruined the whole process.

When we know God is in control, we must suffer it all the way through, allowing no well-meaning, praying friend to disturb our "cocoon." Spiritual growth comes through a struggle which develops "spiritual muscle."

Though men may be as worms, God intends to transform His children into beautiful new, mature creatures, expressing the sweet spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. He truly is in control of all that He has allowed to come our way to work His perfection within us.

And when we do emerge from our "cocoon," we will be able to bask in the sunlight of His wonderful pure love, having the strength to respond to His call to come higher.