Transformation. It’s a word we hear a lot when it comes to faith, personal growth, and even career or life goals. But the process itself is anything but neat or pretty. We love to talk about caterpillars becoming butterflies, as if they just enter a cocoon, slap on some wings, and flutter out ready to fly. But the truth is, that metamorphosis involves something far more profound—and a lot messier.
Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar doesn’t simply grow wings. It completely dissolves into a formless goo, breaking down to its very core before being transformed. That’s the real image of transformation: it requires undoing, unmaking, and a willingness to let go of what we know to become what we’re meant to be. It’s a powerful metaphor for what it means to become like Christ.
The Transformation Process is Messy
If you feel like a mess right now—confused, uncertain, maybe even a bit broken—don’t be discouraged. Transformation in Christ often means being stripped down to nothing so He can rebuild us from the inside out. In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It’s not just about a simple upgrade; it’s about becoming an entirely new creation.
Embracing the “Goo” Stage
It’s tempting to think we’ll wake up one day and be transformed, but the reality is that the work God is doing in us often looks more like that “goo” stage in the cocoon. In this phase, old habits, attitudes, and parts of our identity fall away. We may feel lost as familiar parts of our life shift or dissolve. Yet it’s precisely in this vulnerable state that God is forming something new.
If you’re wrapped up in blankets right now, feeling undone or directionless, know that you’re not alone. Jesus Himself went through deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, feeling the full weight of the transformation He was about to undergo. Transformation is painful, but it’s also the very path that leads to resurrection and renewal.
Why It’s Worth It
As followers of Christ, we’re called to bear His image, but that requires a willingness to let Him mold and reshape us. Transformation is God’s work in us—our part is to yield, trust, and persevere even when it’s messy. Just like the caterpillar dissolves to form a butterfly, our old self dissolves as we grow into the people God created us to be.
So if you’re in that messy cocoon phase, hold on. God is at work in the quiet, unseen places of your heart. You are not alone; He is there, holding you, shaping you, and preparing you to soar. Becoming like Christ is not a quick fix or an easy journey, but it’s a journey worth taking—through the mess, into the beauty of new life. Keep going.
Pastor Jacob Biswell