Day 34: Transformation Begins.
Keziah Cooney (Romans 6:4–5)
Romans 6:4-5 NLT “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.”
While working in a reception class a couple of years ago, we had the privilege of raising some butterflies. The journey was so fascinating that I decided I wanted my family to experience it too. So, two summers ago, I ordered a butterfly kit to raise at home. It came with this description:
“Teaching the miracle of metamorphosis: Insect Lore’s Butterfly Garden will bring a sense of wonder and excitement to children and adults alike. Please allow between 3 and 5 weeks for the cycle to complete.”
That summer felt magical as we watched and waited in wonder. Tiny caterpillars spent their days doing one thing—eating constantly. Then, one by one, they attached themselves to the lid of the tub. Before long, they became wriggling chrysalises, disintegrating, changing, and morphing into something new.
Patience…
Then, one morning, there it was—the first beautifully glorious butterfly. Its wings twitched gently as it got used to its new form. Over the next few days, more butterflies emerged. Soon it was time to release them, watching them fly into the summer sky.
This is much like the transformation in Christ that Paul talks about. Transformation is a complete, thorough, or dramatic change in the form, appearance, character, or function of someone or something. It’s a significant shift.
The old life—the caterpillar—corrupt and bound by sin, selfishness, and earthly desires.
Then comes the process: being baptized with Christ. We die to self, just as the chrysalis appears lifeless or dead. Everything within it is completely broken down, disintegrated, and reformed. It is a period of waiting.
Then comes the new life.
The butterfly emerges—a brand-new creation, just as we rise with Christ as a new creation. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
The results are permanent. There is no going back.
Just like those butterflies, transformation takes time. There is a process, a breaking down, and often a season of waiting. But God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. When we place our lives in Christ, He faithfully transforms us, shaping us into the new creation He has called us to be.
Activation
Activation 1: Reflect on the Process
Take a few quiet moments to reflect on your own life.
Is there an area where God is currently transforming you?
Does it feel like a “caterpillar season” (learning and growing), a “chrysalis season” (waiting, breaking down, and being reshaped), or a “butterfly season” (stepping into something new)?
Spend a moment thanking God for the stage you are in, and ask Him to help you trust His work in the process.
Activation 2: Release the Old
In your devotional time today, write down one thing from your “old life” that you know God is asking you to let go of—perhaps a habit, attitude, or fear.
Take a moment to pray and surrender it to God. Then write beside it:
“In Christ, the old has gone and the new has come.”
Hold your hands open for a moment as you pray.
As you breathe in, thank God for the new life you have in Christ.
As you breathe out, release anything that belongs to the old life. Ask God to help you walk forward in the new life He is creating in you.