I watched transfixed as the moth attempted its first emergence. A tiny hole was all that was there for the emperor moth to emerge. It was so tiny! It’s strong lithe green body had retreated to its tiny cave of solitude where a secret mystery would transform him into the most majestic of moths – the Emperor was a fit name for him.

All that stood between him and his flight was the tiny cave entrance. It seemed to be as small as his beady little eye. He glared with his eye at that hole and decided to take the journey. He knew that he must struggle as if his life depended upon it, for it did! This struggle would strain him to the very brink of death. If he quit, the cave that was the birthplace of his transformation would become his tomb! He could not quit.

For this journey through the impossible exit would fill his wings up with the juice of life. Unused vessels would open and allow the very fluids in that would give them flight. It was through the struggle that he was recreated anew. Oh, what a struggle it would be! – But on the other end he would emerge victorious – a new emperor with a tremendous wingspan, ready to be admired and enjoy his new sky-blue heaven. Boy, how great that would feel.

His biggest threat is that a watching human would decide to “help him.” Yes, he would be in pain, he would struggle as he exited his cave. But if the human took pity on him and shortened his painful exit, it would mean his ultimate demise. His wings would not be ready and he would never feel the joys of flight! Oh, how he prayed he could struggle in pain. He did not need intervention, he needed privacy so that he could complete his transformation!

He took another look at the opening and stuck his antenna through and as he began to squeeze and struggle, he focused on the promise of the grand flight that lay before him when he would emerge, victorious and happy on the other side.

Need I say more, my friends?

Lord, today we pray for those who are struggling with pain. Those who are struggling with life itself. Is there anything past this present cave of life? I pray for encouragement for those whose faith is faltering and feel that the pain is too much. Help those who need it. Encourage those who feel pain. Encourage those who love them. Have mercy upon us. Thank you for experiencing the pain of life and death for me, Lord Jesus. I pray that I will be You to a lost and dying world. In Jesus name. Amen.