The Butterfly Effect

Question…

“Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” This was a question presented by meteorology professor Edward Lorenz at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, almost 45 years ago.

The strengthening process of the butterfly's wings just before the flight is one filled with literal "CRAP"! As Christians, we can rejoice when we encounter trials because God is faithful to strengthen and restore us. Although we go through struggles and trials, we can rest assured, the "crap" we go through WILL make us stronger!

In modern society, the term “butterfly effect'', is often used to reference a substantial significance of minute occurrences. Like in the 2004 movie “The Butterfly Effect”, Ashton Kutcher’s character is able to make small changes in his past that alter the outcome of the future. Now, this is not exactly what Lorenz was alluding to, but rather, in essence, that complex systems can behave in such a way that the smallest variable could have extremely different effects on its outcome.

We all know about the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. It goes through the process of changing from a creeping crawling caterpillar into a beautiful flying butterfly. The journey of this transformation is dramatic and quite extensive. What we don't often focus on is the detailed process of strengthening the butterfly goes through once it comes out of the cocoon, just before it is ready to fly. We all go through changes, growth, and development; it's a part of life. But when we go through hard times, disappointments and failures, we often think something must be wrong

1 Pet 4:12-13 says,

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

As Christians, we can rejoice when we encounter trials because as

1 Peter 5:10 says,

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

In the butterfly's final stage of development, its wings are folded and moist. It must go through the process of expanding and drying by allowing meconium, which is made up of intestinal cells, mucus, amniotic fluid, and bile… in other words, “crap”, to fill its wings. Once its wings are extended most of the meconium is pushed back into its body to be expelled. What's left is then hardened to provide a structure that allows flight.

As in the case of the butterfly, we also go through crap. It's not fun or nice or pretty, but what is left after we get through it makes us stronger. James 1:2-3 says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

As in the case of the butterfly, we also go through crap. It's not fun or nice or pretty, but what is left after we get through it makes us stronger.

James 1:2-3 says,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

The waste and crap we thought was nasty and unbearable was not only necessary for survival throughout the development stage, but it was necessary for flight.

An Excerpt from my journal - during my cancer battle:

May 17, 2015

[[ I feel like the days are just going by. What's the purpose? How am I supposed to help someone through this? What is it all for? Over the past week or so, I have really been thinking I want to stop doing chemo treatments altogether! I don't feel like I should be going through this. I just want to walk away. But then what exactly am I walking away from? Is it just the chemo or am I walking in faith for complete healing, or am I just tired of it all and want to give up?

Thank God for His faithfulness because I'm sure not. Days like today I just don't feel good. My stomach hurts but I don't want to eat. My head hurts and I'm too tired to do anything... It's the 3rd day after treatment so that's about right…

I don't feel like my faith is where it should be. I guess that's why I struggle with the purpose of the test for my testimony. Will there be a testimony worthy of the struggle or will I just get by? Or, will I make it at all?

The faith I have won’t let me stop there! I know I will make it! It's just the process. Nobody said it would be easy - that's for sure. Lord, carry me through.]]

I realized my thriving mindset had a considerable amount to do with my outcome. Though I went through mess, and crap, and struggles and trials, I set my sights on Christ and He brought me through. Just like the butterfly the slightest variance in my mindset could have had a major effect on my development.

Isaiah 26:3 says,

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. The preparation, the crap we go through, is for purpose. It strengthens us for the journey. I want you to know, if JCANDO, so can you