You have armed me with strength for the battle Psalm 18.39
“Cool wet summers are killing our butterflies.” This was the British headline in The Times newspaper, April 8 2009.
The article reported the significant decline in many species of British butterflies over the previous two years. One species had almost died out, while others had suffered a “dramatic slump” in numbers, as much as ninety five percent.
The Times attributed the decline to the use of pesticides, increasing urban development and heavy rainfall, all of which were destroying the habitat in which butterflies flourish. However, two species of butterflies were reported to be thriving in these adverse conditions, the Ringlet and the large Heath were enjoying their best summer on record.
I have thought of this article this summer, facing many trials personally, in ministry and among our Butterflies. Jesus warned the disciples they would face tribulation in this world (John 16.32-33). We should expect storms, trials, tests and troubles of every kind, but it still hits hard when the storms comes. In the battle we will either become like the declining British butterflies, growing weak under the difficult conditions, or we will be like the Ringlet and Heath butterflies and learn not only how to survive but also to thrive in the midst of adversity.
Paul thatgreat apostle often shared his trials “in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness, besides the other things, what comes upon me daily, my deep concern for the churches. Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is not made to stumble and I do not burn with indignation. If I boast I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.2 Corinthians 12:27-30.
In all his trials Paul testifies how he “survived and thrived”- in sorrow yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing, yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:3-10.
Many of our Butterflies need your prayers in their very real trials – as we pray for you would you also pray for us – especially that our faith would not fail but that we would survive and thrive in adversity.
Thanks for taking a few moments to pray for our Butterflies this week.
Yours with grateful thanks, in His love
Liz