Reflection
Not a fan of spiders, I have found myself intrigued by their webs in the past few years. It seems like they appear overnight, stretch across just the spot I am walking, and are resolute about not being taken down with a broom when they are on my deck! Despite some of these annoyances, I have stopped to admire the artful designs created from a delicate creature producing equally delicate strands of silk. God frequently uses nature to teach me more about Him and what He is about. These webs, part of His design, have provided insight into the Creator and His creation.
Application
Let me begin by sharing some information I have learned and realized about the spider and its web:
The web is an output of the spider; it requires the efforts of the spider, but the web itself is part of the internal design of the spider.
The molecular design of a web creates strength and flexibility. The spider is not the strong one.
The spider relies on its internal design to weave a web, yet it still needs an external anchor, a tree, post, or structure.
The web provides protection for its eggs, a place for hiding and security, and a source of food collection.
The web design is so strong and flexible that storms of rain and wind often don’t affect it.
Perhaps the metaphor has already taken shape as you read the lists above. Let me underscore a few key takeaways I have gleaned from God’s web design. As Creator, God has designed each one of us with what we need to live the life to which He has called us. We are invited to work hard and create because of what God placed inside of us. What we build, envision, manage, or lead reflects the gifts from God that He placed within us. It is our job to bring them to fruition and to steward them. Yet even the gifts He has given require anchors. Their effectiveness relies on something steady and immovable. Hebrews 6:19 declares, “We have this anchor for our soul, firm and secure,” which is our hope in God. Our effectiveness depends on where/who we are anchored. The storms of life will come, but we are not easily moved when we are anchored in His word.
Conclusion
Our strength is from the Lord. When we choose to anchor ourselves on His Truth, we can stand firm. Sometimes, we mix up the Creator and the created. The web design is not from the spider, but from the One who made the spider. Psalm 100:3 says it clearly, “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who has made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” In one translation, it says, “It is he who has made us and not we ourselves.” Lest we get confused, He is the Creator. In His kindness, He has placed within each of us the ability to make something on this earth that is strong and beautiful, but it must be anchored in Him. May we Give thanks to Him - the author and finisher of our faith.
~Maryellen Berry