If innocently walking up to a snake skin lying in your path doesn’t top your “scream out/jump scare” list then you need to teach me your ways. The empty shell is terrifying not because it can do anything to me, but because of what it used to contain. How far has the snake gone? Gasp! How big is it now?
One of the joys of teaching a 7 year old boy and a few of his friends science is pretending these things do not terrify me. Last week we learned the term “molting” and of course I have been on a “soak in all the information I possibly can” momentum on what else molts. The result of my research is both terrifying and fascinating. It is not just snakes and insects that molt, but if you have had chickens then you have seen first hand some crazy “hair-do’s” or “looking naked” results.
Guess what? We molt too! We lose nails, hair, and skin but we also molt spiritually.
According to NC State University, molting occurs when the “physical limits” have been reached and is the “end of one growth stage and the beginning of another.” If you have been around a church or even read the signs in a Hobby Lobby, you have seen 2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but change isn’t easy.
- Molting is Stressful
Observed snakes will hide, become defensive, and even decrease their appetite when preparing to molt. Chicken experts will tell you to not have any big changes occur during the molting season, as the molting experience is stressful.
Do we like the process to shed extra weight? Nope. Do we like to change out our favorite socks or underwear? Double nope. What about when there is a detour and we now have to change our route to work, school drop off, or anywhere? Calling in sick.
Ephesians 4:21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
Accepting Jesus for the first time is so exciting and yet, terrifying. But this isn’t a once in a lifetime acceptance, but a DAILY acceptance. Daily we need to listen and prepare for how God wants to use us. When we hear Him, we begin to molt. This can be stressful as sometimes He is calling us to do something that is far bigger than we believe is possible.
- Molting is Uncomfortable
Have you ever seen the “naked” chicken or a chicken with just a few feathers? That chicken is 100% as uncomfortable as it looks. Growing new feathers is actually painful and their skin is extra sensitive.
This can also be said about spiritual growth. Others may not like or understand the “new” you. You may suddenly be acutely aware of the reactions of others. Our routines may need to shift and our current relationships may need to dissipate. Neither is easy. I love that when Paul was writing the Ephesians he was clear they were not alone,
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
This message doesn’t stay with just the people of Ephesus, we too have the power of the Holy Spirit with us to guide us through the uncomfortable parts of change.
- Molting is Beautiful
A bird with its new, clean, fluffy feathers is beautiful. A snake or insect with its new skin without physical limitations is glorious. There was absolutely nothing they could do to rush the process or make it happen all on their own. Instead, they have to rely on nature.
We too, can’t rush the process or make any of it happen on our own. We must live by faith, trust the Source, adapt to the changes, and grow out of the old self.
When we can shed the old, the new is beautiful and without limits.
I don’t know what changes God is shifting in your life, but I do know despite it being stressful and uncomfortable, the result is always far more beautiful than I even imagined. Keep going. Keep leaning into Him.
