When you first got baptized did you think that your troubles would be over? Many new Christians fall into this trap. They somehow think that baptism is sort of a magic bullet that is part of a formula that will bring them nothing but total success on the way to God's kingdom. Nothing could be further from the truth. Baptism is the beginning of the process that God has ordained to bring us into His family. We must be reformed, changed, corrected, balanced, taught and refined. There is no magic formula that will bring a trouble free life. Those who believe in the trouble free life concept are headed for much disappointment and disillusionment, which can often lead them out of God's Church.
Remembering what sinners we are can give us a hint to the fact that our road to God's Kingdom will not be an easy one. If it were easy, God could change us into spirit beings right after baptism. Instead we must have a lifetime of building trust in God, growth, overcoming and changing from our carnal selves into what God wants us to be. Our transformation can be compared to the transformation that a Monarch butterfly goes through when changing from an egg into a caterpillar then entering the chrysalis (pupa) stage and finally emerging as a glorious butterfly that can fly into the sky. This process is known as complete metamorphosis. During the chrysalis stage, the Monarch caterpillar, hangs upside down in the shape of a "J" and molts. This process leaves it within a green exoskeleton where it develops into a beautiful butterfly.
The butterfly is busy growing and developing inside the chrysalis. When the change is complete, the chrysalis becomes transparent and the butterfly can be seen inside. Our heavenly Father causes fluids to pump and course into the new butterfly's weak and crinkled wings as it struggles mightily to free itself. Our Father knows that these wings must be strong and tough, realizing that many Monarchs must make a trans-Atlantic flight. A researcher noticing that a butterfly was having trouble exiting the chrysalis, decided to pry open the chrysalis so that the butterfly could be free. The butterfly was freed but was never able to open his crinkled wings and could not fly and fulfill its purpose. It could not fly without the struggle to free itself. This holds true for us too.
Our transformation is fraught with many difficulties that are necessary to form perfect, Godly character that God is developing inside us. Of course, we don't achieve this perfection in this life. Our baptism is just our beginning. We have so many things that need changing. There is no formula or special way that we can achieve what God wants us to achieve. We are totally in His hands and must yield our will and surrender to Him. He has promised to get us through . "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12.
He knows the sin pattern of each of us and has a plan of overcoming for each of us. Our job is to remain pliable and yielded while He sets up situations and gives us insights into our part of the transformation.
Think about all the trials and tribulations that Jesus Christ our Savior endured. Think about the trials that God's people went through, that are mentioned in the Bible. Some of us think that we are perhaps better or more enlightened then our brothers of old. This of course, is far from the truth. Here are some scriptures to help us.
Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. James 5:13.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
2 Corinthians 4:17
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. Proverbs 24:10
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3
Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. Psalm 119:143
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5
