Pearls of Suffering, Wings of Grace
When a grain of sand gets into an oyster, the oyster begins defending its soft tissue against the irritation by secreting repeated layers of nacre, a unique blend of minerals produced by mollusks. Over time, what begins as a painful and unwelcome intrusion slowly becomes a beautiful, iridescent pearl.
Similarly, when a caterpillar is ready
to emerge from the cocoon, it must strain against the confining walls and force an opening so it can slowly emerge. Should that process be interrupted, the butterfly it is destined to be will never fully develop and be able to fly. It is the very straining and pushing that begins to pump blood into the butterfly’s wings that gives it the strength to become a magnificent and graceful creature, with a new nature, purpose and abilities!
Working All Things Together for Good
God has given us many lessons about himself in Nature. One we can learn is to give our most painful, irritating and intrusive situations over to Him. He knows how, over time, to convert these afflictions into things of beauty in our lives. It takes surrender and patience, but He will never fail us. If we endure the trial, not bolt, and trust that He is working behind the scenes to shape all things according to His purpose and our good,one day, we will experience an outcome more remarkable than anything we could have ever hoped or imagined.
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Sand to pearl…
Yes, beautiful. I must try to remember that when what I see is a desert!
Love and thanks.
A x
Dear Ailsa,
Times in the desert can be hard! One of my favorite and most encouraging passages for those seasons in the wilderness (and we all have them) is Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” May your breakthrough come soon! Thanks for sharing.
~M. xoxo
James has told us to rejoice in trials of all kinds. I suppose if we knew in advance how they actually benefited us in the future it would be easier to rejoice in them in the present. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
Indeed! I don’t believe we are being asked to rejoice in times of pain — that would be masochistic. I think the lesson here is to rejoice in the One who can deliver us out of all our trials for He never changes and is always wonderful, all-powerful, infinitely kind — and loves you so! Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your valuable comment.
~M. xoxo
Trials certainly can be absolutely heart-wrenching and seemingly never-ending. I love your examples in nature of how irritations and pain are part of the process of making something more beautiful. It is encouraging to know that God is working behind the scenes and I presume that He will help us surrender when we need to if we can not ourselves.
Dear Mischelle,
Philipians 4:19 says: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That is a promise! Psalm 34:17-10 also tells us: “When the righteous cry for help,
the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” What do you need today from God? Ask and he will generously give it!
~M. xoxo