Hidden Danger


I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve decided to switch lanes while I’m driving, yet for some reason I don’t. Then within seconds a car that was in the lane I wanted to move into suddenly appears in my peripheral vision—they’d been in my blind spot, and had I switched lanes, I would have hit them.

God completely protected me.

He does that, you know. Protects us even when we don’t know we need it. And I not only love that fact, I am grateful that God cares enough about His children to protect us from unknown dangers.

Like this past week.  I saw a teeny tiny baby spider hugging the rim of my bathroom sink, wondered where on earth it had come from, and promptly washed it down the drain.

The next day, there were about three teeny tiny baby spiders in my bathroom sink. I glanced all around, trying to figure out their entry point, then washed them down the drain without an answer.

The day after that, there were about seven teeny tiny baby spiders in my bathroom sink, and I noticed one on the hand towel that I keep folded close to the sink. The towel I use after I brush my teeth every morning. The towel I use when I wash my face each night.

On a whim, I shook the towel, and dozens—dozens, I tell you—of baby spiders fell down into the sink.

I nearly swooned.

So, armed with a flashlight and my brave son’s help, I went spider hunting in my own bathroom. I never in my wildest nightmare imagined we would discover the spiky egg sac of a brown widow spider in the small drain hole opening at the top of my sink.

But we did.

Which could only mean that a poisonous, pregnant brown widow spider had taken up residence where it clearly did not belong—right where I lean over the sink morning and night.

*Shiver*

With my son’s help, we dislodged the egg sac and found the (now expired) brown widow spider responsible for all the babies, with the telltale red/orange violin shape on its abdomen.

*Shudder*

So this week, I’m more than just a little thankful. Because even though I regularly pray for protection over me and my family, I had no idea I’d come so close to danger. And I’m praising God, who protected me even when I didn’t realize I needed it.

For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught in a trap or some hidden danger. (Proverbs 3:26)

How about you? Has the Lord recently protected you or someone you love? Tell me about it!



6 comments:

Karen said...

Oh, Julie, I have chill bumps all over me! I hate spiders of any kind and regularly find them lurking in places I don't expect. This goes beyond creeped out. It's amazing when we get a glimpse of God's protection. Just imagine what we will never know. That's why I try to heed subtle warnings as I go about my day. That annoying delay could very well be an act of protection. Thanks for your story--even though I'm going to be looking for baby spiders all day today!

Susan said...

Ewww Julie, that story makes me cringe and start swatting! Ugh, that's when it comes in handy to have a SON ;)

God's protection is amazing, but I've thought a lot about it and am convinced I won't fully appreciate it until I'm in His presence. When He replays my life and shows me all the times He's intervened on my behalf - talk about swooning?? If it's possible for my glorified body to swoon, I'm sure I'll hit the heavenly floor.

Hugs and blessings from Roanoke!
~Susan

Ginny said...

Oh Julie what a spine chilling story! I am petrified of spiders. I cannot tell you how many times we averted a car accident by the grace of God! You are so right to say that He watches over us and protects us, without our even knowing about it.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I am trying to think "Charolotte's Web, but I still really don't want spider of any kind in my house.

Grateful for God's protection.

Cheryl Barker said...

I'm sure we'd be amaed at all the times God protects us when we're not even aware of it. Glad you found the spiders and took care of them. Btw, we call them brown recluses here in the Midwest.

AmyAlves said...

Oh Julie, I always love coming here to your blog! First of all, thank God for brave men! ;) Thank you for sharing a story of your faith in Him. To God be the glory! ~ Blessings, Amy

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