Overprotective parents do their children a great injustice.

The caterpillar that lies inside the cocoon will never become the beautiful butterfly if someone cuts open the cocoon prematurely. It is the struggle itself that allows the butterfly to emerge as a strong, new creature of nature.

God understands how necessary this process is. That is why we are allowed to experience difficult, often life-changing events. He even orchestrates them–all for our benefit.

What the Israelites thought was a cruel joke when Pharaoh sent troops to pursue them after they had been freed and penned against the shore of the Red Sea became the stage for the most publicized miracle of all time–the parting of the Red Sea. Generation after generation has heard this incredible story of deliverance.

God puts us against the “Red Seas” in order to show His power in and through us.

If we do not know God can deliver, then we can never learn to trust Him.

Circumstances that go beyond our capabilities of solving them place us at God’s complete mercy. This is how He likes it.

Do not fear the calamity that comes your way. If you are faithful to Him in the test, you will see God’s power manifested like never before.

Just as the Israelites were able to sing a song of deliverance, you too will have your own testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness; and you will be able to recall it for others to build your faith and theirs.

by Os Hillman

18 Responses to The Butterfly Principle

  1. Lisa says:

    I love the story of Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea, because when there was a dead end – no way out, He MADE the way! He is my way-maker!! They had gone through so much with all the plagues and the hardships that were put on them, making the bricks with no straw, and such, and then that scary night that the firstborn children in the land were dying all over and I’m sure they heard their neighbors scream and cry and grieve for their sons. YET GOD was faithful in every step, and then when they thought they had finally been set free from slavery and left Egypt, they saw the Egyptian Army coming after them, and thought surely they were done for. AND THEN He did the greatest miracle yet, God parted the Red Seas, to show how great is His love for his children and the glory of his majesty. He is all powerful, and there is NOTHING too hard for him!! Whatever you’re going through, God can bring you through it, even if He didn’t bring you to it (because of mistakes we’ve made or whatever it may be).

  2. Bob Coupe says:

    God only “puts us against the ‘Red Seas’ ” if we are following Moses.

    I am in Christ Jesus and this is pleasing to my God.

  3. zegurin awases says:

    I just drew strength from this message, as i myself is currently going through a battle in my life. I put my faith in God and very soon i am going to sing a song of victory and deliverance.

    Thank you so much for reaching thousands through this encouraging messages.
    God bless

  4. fred Martin says:

    I am so blessed to have inspirational thoughts coming Keep up the good work! Phil 4;6-7 “Present your requests to God”

  5. Nerry says:

    Thank You! I am back with You! I have always Loved Your Inspirational weekly e-mails. I informed my facebook friends about Allworship, Pray they get on board with The LORD! Thank You again. The New Look Is Awesome!

  6. Lisa says:

    Grace and peace be unto you all! This is really an inspiration. I think of the times I have had to really understand this principle. “God makes all beautiful in His Time.”

  7. Charlotte says:

    Thank you so very much for “The Butterfly Principle.” Truer words were never spoken.

  8. Eloise says:

    Dennis – I do not know your story but God does – praying for you during this difficult time in your life – My grandma always told me that if God brings you to a situation in your life – that means he will give you the strength to overcome the situation in your life. Also may the memories of your wife give you strength!!! Be blessed

  9. Alex Bey says:

    This is wonderful, just going thru some tough times and this is all one needs to hear. God bless you

  10. Sunday Jonathan says:

    God is the Potter. He breaks and reforms us and when He’s through, we become better people. The molding period, even though not enjoyable, is needed to bring out the best in us.

  11. Maria I. Oquendo says:

    It is never easy to lose someone dear and close to your heart. But it is so wonderful that you can be assured that God is faithful and that his faithfulness endures forever. Just know that there are people lifting you up in prayer to God’s presence and that you are in His arms. I would like to share Psalm 46 with you, specially verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God”. Let your heart rest on that promise and you will find peace and comfort in Him. When you get a chance read Psalm 46. God loves you.

  12. Terry says:

    I received your butterfly principle this morning and found it very uplifting please keep everyone in your prayers through difficult times and that we get a new pope very soon your inspiration means so much to me in these difficult times also pray for all the violence andw killing to stop in this world

  13. Rosabell says:

    Wow! Thanks for phrasing this message for me. Two days ago I wanted to tell one of my friends to give her daughter a little more space to develope. Did not quite know how to put it without offending her. I’ll post the butterfly’s development stages on FB. If that’s OK with you ofcourse..

    Thanks for the encouragement.

    God Bless
    R

  14. Cee says:

    I think you err to some extent and the example is not a parallel case. There were not children sent out on their own to fight the battle with Pharoah. It was adults. In every battle that God put the children of Israel in, it was the men that went out – not the wives and not the children. And yes, in these things, the children saw what great things God did and can do; and I think that is the correct setting.

  15. Dennis a says:

    i am at present going through the greatest battle of my life. With the passing of my wife and the problems and difficulties that it brings. Jesus was faithful before and he will be faithful again……………….Though I am struggling now He knows what He’s doing .THANKS for the encouragement

    • Fam Pereira says:

      Just wanted to let you know you are in our prayers…

    • Ezspeech says:

      Dennis, I’m so very sorry for your loss. It seemed, at first, somewhat ironic when I received this devotion this morning. But as I began reading, I thought of a family in my home church who has recently lost a loved one. Then I read your reply and knew that God was speaking to me, through this devotion and your response. The family member passed away unexpectedly at a very young age and I think (and pray for) those she left behind- her husband, sons, and a beautiful one-year old little girl. Your faith in God has encouraged me and, in turn, I plan to encourage this family during their battle now.

  16. ADERINA says:

    The parable about the butterfly is absolutely true and I have experienced it in my life. God works miraculously even for a single and simple thing happens in my life.
    It is great to believe in God. I am very much blessed to know Him, to trust Him, to count on Him and to have a salvation in Him through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
    I praise His Name and I always enjoy to praise His Mighty Name.

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