Welcome to another counselor's corner. The title of this article today is a Chrysalis Experience. For those in the "Emmaus Community," Chrysalis is the youth version of The Walk to Emmaus. It is a life changing program sponsered by The Upper Room. It is called Chrysalis because of the transformation of the catapillar into a butterfly. With life in Christ, we all turn from the small ground crawling catapillar into a beautiful butterfly that soars with the power of God. Let me explain why I am writing about this today. I went to a function for this program this weekend. I love going to Emmaus events, but have never been to a Chrysalis event as this was the first "Flight" since my Emmaus walk. Well, still flying high if you will over this program, I got home from work Monday afternoon, and what do I see in my doorway? It was a beautiful butterfly. I believe God was trying to show me something in that creature. I would like to share it with you all.
We are all in need of God's love. You know that I hope. Our whole life is a journey in faith. It is a path we all walk on our own. The expected outcome of this journey is our eternal life with Christ. There are plenty of potholes and detours on this path. Life is not planned, you never know one day to the next what is going to happen to you. The one thing constant in this world is God, and the love He shows us through His son Jesus Christ. Each and everyday you make a decision to stay on the path, or take a detour. When we make the decision to follow Christ, we are transformed. We are different people than we once were. We still have detours and potholes on our path. Life does not get easier when you are Christian, matter of fact, life can get tougher. The difference is this, we can see the light at the end. The light of the world, Jesus our savior. It is just like a catapillar's journey. We wander around aimlessly and then we make the decision to "cacoon" ourselves from the world and once we have made the decision to follow Jesus, we break from our cacoon and become something beautiful. Butterflys are georgous creatures. I never realized that until my wife and I went to Niagara Falls to the Butterfly house there. They come in every shape and size and color pattern imagineable. Much like us, not one is the same. But they make up the species, just like we are all different, and we all make up the human race. We have the power to change into something beautiful. All we have to do is accept the offer to become cacooned from the world, and follow the one who has overcome the world.
What a concept! Isn't it awesome that we have a God who loves us enough to give us a chance at this transformation? Have you taken Him up on this offer? If you have, congratulations! I rejoice for you. If you haven't, please let this article open your eyes to the possibilities of a Chrysalis moment. Cacoon with me for a second if you will. Lets pray. Heavenly Father, we come to you as the catapillar. We are wandering aimlessly in this world longing for something more. Sin is what is holding me back, and I repent of my sin and leave it at your feet. Forgive me I pray Lord. Transform me through your son Jesus Christ. Make me yours today Lord, I accept you into my heart today Lord. In Jesus holy name, Amen. Did you pray that prayer? If you did, and you meant it, you are saved by Jesus! You can now soar like the beautiful butterfly. Now, go, and tell the good news, Jesus died for you to show God's love for you, and He died for everyone. The good news is that He rose as He said, and He now lives in your heart! Doesn't that make you want to fly? Thank you for listening!
