Never Give Up!
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
Spider webs are something to behold! I am always amazed with the intricacy and detail. Their beauty represents hours of work. However, there is a negative aspect that irks me and that involves walking through a web and feeling those tiny, sticky threads on my face, arms or legs. But getting beyond my personal feelings, they serve an important purpose for the spider. Ginger Kolbaba writes about her observations in All God’s Creatures.
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A spider with a body the size of a quarter and eight very hairy and scary legs worked diligently as it hung by a literal thread, spinning its web against our glass back door. A couple days went by and no meal appeared in its web. So the spider relocated. I found her hanging out at the side of my house on a hedge. Again she worked hard spinning and creating the most beautiful masterpiece. And again, no meals.
After another couple of days, I was stunned when I looked our front window and found the identical spider now designing another web over a bush.
“She’s persistent!” I told my husband, impressed by how hard she was working. For the next fifteen minutes, we watched at the front window as she wove a glorious and intricate design. “I’m rooting for her!” I said as I laughed.
This time, her web was a success, and she was able to eat to her little tummy’s content.
“Oh, that I could be as diligent in my pursuits!” I said. I thought about how often I start out doing something good, something I know God takes delight in—such as mentoring my neighbor’s son or being patient with a difficult coworker—and then instead of committing to it, I let the opportunity pass by.
That spider encouraged me to remember that if I want to reap good things in due time, as the apostle Paul writes about in Galatians, then I need to not grow weary or get sidetracked. If a hairy, scary spider can stick to doing good, I’m certain I can too!
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Now, I cannot spin a spider web but I can spin some words. In what areas is He encouraging you to keep going and never, ever give up?
Mighty God, we thank You for Your love and guidance as we journey through this day. Help us to do what is important to You and not quit. Inspire us to finish what we start. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston