When Pain Precedes the New Creation

Today, I looked out the window and saw a stray peacock whom my family has affectionately named “Elmer” walking through my front lawn. The sun was shining down on his feathers in breathtaking brilliance, showcasing the deep turquoises, blues, and greens his Creator gifted him with.

I thought back to a few months ago when his tail feathers began to break, and eventually fell out. Elmer didn’t look too impressive when he was stripped of his tail. In fact, some might have gone as far as to say he was ugly.

But even in his ugliest moments, he still had the potential to be one of the most beautiful birds you could ever see. Even when it looked like his best features were stripped from him, God was doing a new work in him.

In many ways, we as humans can relate.

There have been many times when I’ve felt insignificant, ugly, and weak. I’ve wondered what my purpose is, where my beauty lies, and if I’m strong enough to withstand the trials of life. The negative words people say about me cut deep.

But even when I feel like I don’t amount to much—like my beauty has been taken from me, God is molding me into a more beautiful creation. He is stripping me of my “broken feathers” (unhealthy relationships, attitudes, habits, etc.) and giving me new ones.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Sometimes it hurts to become a new creation. Sometimes the waiting period makes us feel vulnerable and weak; but I can assure you what lies ahead will be worth it.

In Hosea, the Israelites were far from the Lord. They were worshiping false gods, and acting in all sorts of wicked ways. Many verses in the book talk about the judgement the Israelites had to go through, but look at what’s said in chapter six.

“Come let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.” (Hosea 6:1-2 NLT)

Sometimes, the best way to heal is to be broken first.

This journey is scary! It hurts, and it’s the furthest thing from fun. But eventually, you’ll find the process worth the reward. You’ll shine with a light brighter than a thousand stars, because the Holy Spirit will shine through you.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:28-29)

How comforting it is to know that God is working all things—at all times—out for good.

For those of you who are waiting for new “feathers,” take heart. They may not come today, tomorrow, or this month. However, they will come in his perfect timing. Shine with the beauty and potential you have in Christ.