InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
  • Library
    • LOVE Coupons
    • 16 Names of God
    • Bible Reading Plan
    • The ABCs Study Guide
    • Disciple Me Program
    • Come and Gather
    • The Heart That Heals
    • She Loves Truth Guide
    • She Loves Truth Study
    • Praying Proverbs
    • The Red Sea Rules
    • 12 Letters I Wrote
    • Christmas Songbook
  • The Heart That Heals
    • Read Chapter 1 of The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
    • The Heart That Heals printable package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
  • Christianity
  • Etsy

Glory from the Ground Up

5/24/2019

3 Comments

 
Today I caught such a sweet glimpse of God revealing His glory in the beauty of His creation. I walked outside the doors of my church and spotted one of the most exquisite creatures I’ve ever seen. It was a giant moth. Now, I don’t normally find moths of any sort very attractive, but this one was an exception.
Today I caught such a sweet glimpse of God revealing His glory in the beauty of His creation. I walked outside the doors of my church and spotted one of the most exquisite creatures I’ve ever seen. It was a giant moth. Now, I don’t normally find moths of any sort very attractive, but this one was an exception. My son and I stopped to look at it and we were awed by the glorious display of its wings moving to avoid our touch. Its wings were a vibrant green, about 3-4 inches across and had two sets of brown eye spots at the top. At the bottom was a billowing tail that looked delicate, almost like ribbons on the end of a kite. Its body was white and furry, with feathery antennae. I was enthralled. Some friends came out to see the moth with us and one said, Oh, that’s a Luna Moth. ​

Having never heard of Luna Moths before, I had to find out more.

"​He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
A quick Google search gave me five intriguing facts about Luna Moths:
  1. In the caterpillar stage, they eat voraciously for a month (think Very Hungry Caterpillar style).
  2. They only live for about 7-10 days.
  3. Adults have no mouth or digestive system, therefore they cannot eat and only live off of food consumed as a caterpillar.
  4. The sole purpose of the moth is to reproduce.
  5. The female will lay hundreds of eggs, and then her life will be over.

As I walked to my car, my mind swirled with spiritual questions and truths related to the sight of this unusual product of God’s handiwork. For instance, why would God create something so intensely beautiful, but only allow it to remain alive for such a short time? God brought to my mind Ecclesiastes 3:11, which says,
God’s timetable isn’t defined by mine. In His timetable depth of beauty doesn’t rely on length of life. One short life can certainly bring immense glory to God.
​I was also curious about the purpose these moths have in nature. The only reason for their existence I could find is they live to reproduce. So, in essence, life is their purpose! What a beautiful reflection of the Creator of life! Psalm 36:9 says, ​
“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9).
I wanted to know about the eye spots that so beautifully adorn the wings. I found they are meant to camouflage the moth and confuse a predator. God equipped these creatures with everything needed to survive their lifespan, even though their lifespan is incredibly short. That speaks to me of God’s desire to protect life. Over and over in the Bible, we’re given the picture of God as our Protector. Psalm 139 sings of His protection over us. Verse 2 speaks of how God knows and understands us. ​
“You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts afar off” (Psalm 139:2).
Verse 5 shows us His protective hand.
“You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5).
When I stop and meditate on all God does for His creation, to protect, shelter and nurture, I can say with David, ​
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6).
I think it’s this reality that brought so many questions to my mind when I encountered the Luna Moth today. God’s knowledge of His creation, His way with the things of the world He made, is too lofty for me. That truth brings me comfort because He is not a God I can figure out and place in a box on a shelf, only to be brought down when I need something. He is the sovereign God, concerned with the vastness of the universe and the life of a little moth. He is the sovereign God concerned with all of creation and the life of little me and little you. Wow! I don’t know where you are today or how you may be struggling; but I do know one thing. If God cares enough to give a moth life, beauty, and protection, He cares about the everyday details of your life. You can trust Him with whatever may be concerning you today.
As a matter of fact, this morning before I left my house, I was thinking about how through Jesus we have a sweet friendship with God the Father. He wants us to know Him and His great love. I know the primary way God reveals Himself to us is through His Word. But, He also reveals Himself to us through the wonders of His creation.

​I remembered Romans 1:20, which says,
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). ​
This idea was still in my mind as I came upon the Luna Moth on the ground. It was as if God was showing me His love by stopping me in my tracks and allowing me to see something special from His hand.
Today I caught such a sweet glimpse of God revealing His glory in the beauty of His creation. I walked outside the doors of my church and spotted one of the most exquisite creatures I’ve ever seen. It was a giant moth. Now, I don’t normally find moths of any sort very attractive, but this one was an exception.
While I was hesitant to write a whole blogpost about a moth, my hope for you is that it sparks a new desire to see what God is revealing about Himself through His creation today. Take some time to stop and look around. Mark the wonder that you find. This world is full of man-made hustle. What if you stepped out of it for a moment and stepped into the hush of His stillness? I promise you’ll be amazed at what He has to show you there.
Stephanie
I love where Stephanie writes: "He is the sovereign God, concerned with the vastness of the universe and the life of a little moth. He is the sovereign God concerned with all of creation and the life of little me and little you. Wow! I don’t know where you are today or how you may be struggling; but I do know one thing. If God cares enough to give a moth life, beauty, and protection, He cares about the everyday details of your life. You can trust Him with whatever may be concerning you today." Isn't it the truth?!
Please Share
3 Comments
Debra Jean link
5/24/2019 10:15:39 am

I love the Luna moth although I have never had the opportunity to see one in person. What a beautiful blessing and I love how you took it for all its worth seeing how God is in everything, revealing Himself to us. All for His glory! Many Thanks 8)

Reply
Liz Giertz link
5/24/2019 11:03:18 am

YES!!! WONDER! That's my word for 2019 and your post captures it so well! I think you could write a whole book about the wonder in just one moth! Blessings!

Reply
Stephanie link
5/25/2019 09:24:50 am

Years ago, I heard Margaret Feinberg speak about the wonder of God from the book of Isaiah. It was powerful! You should check out her website. She also has a book and study about Wonder. I think you would enjoy reading her writings.

Have a “wonder”ful weekend!
In Him,
Stephanie

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, lock screens, and more? You’re going to love this library, there is all kinds of exclusive content, just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that!
    Patsy signature

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    The Heart That Heals
    The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God
    Available at Amazon
    Read chapter 1 for FREE today!
    Picture
    Sweeter Than Honey: A 365-Day Devotional Journey Coming October 2021!
    Picture
    Join us as we Journey to the Cross, a nine-week study, beginning February 2.
    Picture
    Download these 30 printable Lunchbox LOVE Coupons in time for Valentine's Day!

    Popular Posts

    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk 
    12 Letters I Wrote to a Friend With Cancer
    10 Favorite Bible Verses on Adoption
    8 Ways to Love Someone Who Doesn't Love You Back
    4 Prophetic Names of Jesus
    The ABCs of God's Love Letter: Wait

    Featured

    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    Memory Scripture
    Messy Marriage
    Money Wise Steward
    Wield The Word
    Woman of Noble Character

    Categories

    All
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Our Words Matter
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program 
designed to provide a means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Faithbox, Minted.com, Canvas Vows, and Tailwind.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2021|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
  • Library
    • LOVE Coupons
    • 16 Names of God
    • Bible Reading Plan
    • The ABCs Study Guide
    • Disciple Me Program
    • Come and Gather
    • The Heart That Heals
    • She Loves Truth Guide
    • She Loves Truth Study
    • Praying Proverbs
    • The Red Sea Rules
    • 12 Letters I Wrote
    • Christmas Songbook
  • The Heart That Heals
    • Read Chapter 1 of The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
    • The Heart That Heals printable package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
  • Christianity
  • Etsy