DON'T CHEAT THE BUTTERFLY: A Battle, A Strategy, and A Mind Transformed

by Kristen Smeltzer, Zachary Smeltzer, Bill Johnson (foreword)

Previously Published as Who Do You Say I Am?, by Kristen M. Smeltzer, 2017.
Second Revised and Expanded

If the caterpillar only knew—while in darkness—God was giving him wings.

Have you ever been through a dark or difficult season? I have.

When my son, Zachary, experienced a spiritual attack on his mind, no earthly help could be found. I cried out to God to make it stop. As days turned to months, I became offended.

Our enemy often attacks with whispers like, “God says he’s Healer. Restorer. Provider. But where is he now?” He casts doubt on God’s true identity, in an attempt to confuse our identity, and steal our destiny.

But things aren’t always as they appear. God provided a simple yet profound strategy, leading to complete healing. This is our raw testimony.

LEARN

Implement this same Biblical strategy for victorious spiritual warfare

Embrace the process of transformation, while contending for victory

Release offenses toward God and rediscover His extravagant love

Move beyond knowledge of God to more intimate heart belief

Establish your God-given identity, destiny and calling

Find redemption for your story!

A Devotional, Scripture Lists, Journaling Prompts, and Guides for application.

Discover more www.kristensmeltzer.com

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2017

About the author

Kristen Smeltzer refers to herself as “an ordinary girl with an extravagant God.” Throughout her 45 years of walking with the Lord, she has continuously chosen to step out of her comfort zone and jump headlong into unknown territories—to bring renewed hope, fresh faith, and God-given identity to His people. Along her journey, and especially during a painfully dark season of spiritual warfare, God gave Kristen beautiful insights into His Word and character and a Biblical strategy for overcoming spiritual attacks. Kristen is an author and speaker whose message will open eyes to the true nature of God and inspire hearers to engage afresh with the Lover of their souls.

Kristen holds a B.A. from Spring Arbor University in Michigan. As an avid learner, she also graduated from a ministry school in 2023. Kristen and her husband, Richard, live near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They have three grown sons, a “daughter-in-love,” and two beautiful grandchildren. For more information about my book and a free EPub sample, go to: https://kristensmeltzer.com/books

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truer self requires the work of transformation

I loved this practical book on how to press through trials and come out the other side looking like our truer selves. Kristen's book is approachable and weighty. The principles God revealed to her and her son will carry you through any trial, and encourage in you that fight to not cheat the process required. Learned so much here and will use these principles as I walk forward.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. It is about spiritual warfare. In the book Kristen tells the account of her son Zachary's demonic attack. She relays their struggles and their ultimate victory in the spiritual realm. I really liked the lists at the end. The first one is the names and characteristics of God with scripture references. The second is names of who I am in Christ with scripture references.

[B Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 quotes that resonated with me:

1) Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness, yet become something beautiful- unknown

2) He had asked God not to remove him from his situation even one day before he would come out completely transformed on the other side.

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m intimately familiar with the fierce, often invisible, spiritual attacks that target our children and us. That’s why this impactful and thought-provoking book was a challenging yet necessary read. My son fought his own spiritual battles and ultimately paid with his life when God allowed a single bullet to kill him instantly.

Even if you are a Christian, like my son, we are all susceptible to Satan’s influence. That’s when we must relinquish control to God’s strength and unwavering presence. I wish that could have been my son, but it was not. At least I know Luke is in Heaven, at peace, and I will see him again one day.

This book offers a wealth of biblical wisdom and verses to help you face your battles. Once I started listening to this captivating audiobook, I couldn’t stop, so I stayed up late into the night. I loved seeing how God can turn ashes into beauty, and I highly recommend Don’t Cheat the Butterfly. I’ll frequently reference the bonus PDF; its contents are key to recognizing the difference between my flawed human perception of myself and the truth of my eternal existence as God’s child.

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable treasure for humanity, especially for those who feel trapped in darkness, away from the guiding light of the Lord. While reading it felt like I was being given a winning blueprint for facing life's hardships, and I will forever regard it as a cherished possession.

Penned by an author who has confronted various adversities with her family, this narrative openly discloses her experiences, sharing her story with genuine honesty that strikes a chord with those who have dealt with spiritual hardships or the painful reality of identity theft. Through her heartfelt narrative, she offers readers a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can rediscover our true selves through Christ.

In times of struggle, it is easy to succumb to fear and despair, especially when faith wavers. However, Smeltzer emphasizes that God provides a broader perspective, one that empowers us to confront any challenge with His unwavering strength, guidance, and love. This divine support is a reminder that we are never alone in our battles; rather, we are equipped with the tools necessary to rise above our circumstances.

As readers immerse themselves in the pages of this transformative work, they will find themselves feeling rejuvenated and fortified against the trials of life. The insights shared within these chapters instill a sense of power over the enemy, drawing us closer to God and reinforcing our faith. Through the lens of Smeltzer's experiences, we are encouraged to embrace the freedom that comes from a deep relationship with the Lord. Ultimately, "Don’t Cheat The Butterfly" is a remarkable testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless love of God that sustains us through every trial.

[Glenda Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will share this book with its gripping story with all the parents of preteens and teenagers in my life. This book gives insight into how children can stubble into trouble. Trouble can take them into places they never intended to go. The courageous author and her husband have a strong prayer life and bond with Jesus. Therefore, it's God who gives her the strategy to fight. We don't know when our battle is coming, but we need our relationships to be steadfast. This book is full of tools the reader can use now to strengthen their relationship with God. The afterword, the bonus section, and the book were unexpected delights—a must-read for all parents who want to prepare for the teenage years.