Because of Yeshua [Jesus]

Monarch Butterflies and Faith in Jesus

January 22nd, 2009

I have a hard time explaining faith. I’ve been a Christian long enough that I can give you a lot of theological reason and evidences to believe in Jesus. But, I can’t explain faith. How does someone come to a point of faith. It’s a lot like love. I can’t explain love, it’s just there. I can feel it, I know it’s there, But, I can’t explain it any more than I can explain air.

In his book, “Blue Like Jazz,” Donald Miller writes a chapter about Faith and Penguin Sex. It struck a cord with me. He talks about the migration of penguins and the birthing process. How do they know where and when to go? I related because of an interest in Monarch butterflies.

For a time, my son and I raised Monarch butterflies. One of the most interesting things about the monarch is their migration. In the fall, monarchs migrate south, much like birds. They travel hundreds and thousands of miles during migration. The thing is, the migration trip is longer than the normal life span of a monarch. Butterflies born in early summer usually live less than 2 months. The last generation of the summer enters into a non-reproductive phase known as diapause and may live seven months or more. (wikipedia) These butterflies travel to the overwintering locations. This generation doesn’t normally reproduce until they start the northern migration in February or March. It isn’t this generation which makes it all the way back to the northern regions of the U.S. And Canada. In the eastern region, these butterflies may make it as far as Texas or Oklahoma. It is the second, third and fourth generations that make it all the way back north and the process begins again. The question is, how does every fall generation know where to go for the winter? No one knows for sure; they just do.

I think it is the same with faith. There is something deep in our hearts that make us know that the things about Jesus are true. Some deep emptiness can only be filled by coming to know God and His love for mankind. There is some deep longing for a love that is only found by faith.

I can’t really explain it; it’s just there.

Entry Filed under: Faith, Nature, OutThere