A verse from one of last Sunday’s readings has stuck with me this week. It’s Isaiah 43 verse 1 – “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine”. It reminded me of a story I read about a woman who had heard a talk by a famous missionary, and listening to this she had decided that following Jesus was too hard for her, and she was bound to fail. She could never be the courageous person she thought God was calling her to be, never have the strength to leave her home, her friends and family and go to a strange country.
She was feeling very sorry for herself when she heard a quiet voice whispering to her. “Am I allowed to make both elephants and butterflies? “Instantly she replied, “Yes, of course you are”, and wondered what was coming next. The voice continued, “Well, I have made you a butterfly, and you are not to criticise yourself for not being able to do the things an elephant can do. I have need of faithful, strong elephants in my kingdom, but I need butterflies too. Be little and do the small things I ask you to do faithfully. Be freely available to me by not getting too busy and tied up in fruitless activities. The size of the work I call you to is not yours to question or judge, just be ready, willing and available to hear and obey when I call. ”
So, if you are one of God’s butterflies, remember that he has a role for you and be ready to fly at his call. And if you’re one of God’s elephants, please don’t trample on the butterflies!
Love, Margaret