Transformation in limitation.

When we find ourselves in times of limitation, we can often feel frustrated, particularly if those constraints are preventing us from living the life we’ve always known and enjoyed.

Those constraints can be described like being in a cocoon. Interestingly, a cocoon is part three of a four stage development. Before it gets to this stage, a caterpillar has to stop moving, eating and socialising in the way that it always has done. It may even seem dead to the world around it, but transformation is happening within.

As Christians, we undergo a similar transformation. This too is an internal change which leads to an external transformation.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:1,2

The caterpillar has to remain in one place and be still. But this doesn’t mean it’s inactive, just submitting to the change. Psalm 46 encourages us to “Be still and know that I am” God”. The knowledge of God comes from our stillness, when we obey the call to be still, we can know the power of God.

Just like that small creature, it starts by putting off the old to make way for the new. But real change will never happen if we keep crawling back to our old ways.

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24

Again like the caterpillar, when we emerge from that stage there is beauty. The caterpillar once crawled around and ate leaves, but after the transformation it emerges as a beautiful butterfly, which flies from flower to flower and feasts on nectar. There may not be a change to the world around us, but now we have an ability to see the world in a different way, from a different perspective. There should now be a change in the way that we move, the places we go, even what we take in and what we feast on.

The cocoon offered protection and security, it also facilitated change. We might find ourselves feeling like we are in a cocoon moment. Rather than letting the painful constraints embitter us, or worrying about whether we will ever be the same again, trust God for the transformation in that limitation and embrace it.

In your time of restriction, read God’s word, so that you are equipped and ready for all He has prepared you for. As His word transforms your mind in the quiet place of waiting, we can look forward to reaching greater heights together in the future.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16,17

Praise God because He is bringing transformation in our time of limitation.