Whispers and Winks from God

Now, before some of my female friends get the heebie-jeebies and stop reading, just let me ask you to stay with me. Yes, this story involves a spider. But, beyond the spider, it is really a story about God’s goodness to us and how He loves us in ways we’ll never understand this side of heaven.

One morning, even though I had already showered the night before, I felt a nudge to take another shower and get my day started. I’m like most folks where my brain won’t work until I’ve had that morning shower and I’ve had my first cup of coffee. The nudge was nothing dramatic or anything like that – just one of those simple thoughts that you don’t think much about at first.

So, I got in the shower, started washing my hair (what little there is of it lol), and then I saw it: a spider making its way down the shower curtain.

Now, it is springtime (at the time of this writing), and bugs have a way of finding their way inside. So, don’t go “eeewww!” We all have ‘em! Still, there it was. It startled me, no question. I don’t mind spiders but I definitely don’t want them in my house, much less in the shower with me. But right away, my first thought wasn’t fear (they don’t really bother me that much) …it was actually a big thank you to God.

I said, “Lord, thank You that it was me who saw this spider and not my wife, Melanie.” If she’d been the one to meet that little creature in the shower, it would have been a much worse way to start her day. And, most likely, I’d be driving to Walmart or wherever to get a new shower curtain because she’d most likely have torn that thing down getting out of that spider’s way lol!

Right there, in that ordinary moment, my heart was reminded of something awesome and beautiful: God cares for us even in the small things.

I am not saying God put the spider there. We live in a fallen world, and unwanted things and stuff happen. But I am saying the Lord is not absent from the small things. He is present. He cares. He helps us navigate this broken world we live in with peace, wisdom, and grace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33 (NIV)

Maybe that morning was one small reminder of the kindness of God. Maybe that gentle nudge to shower was the Holy Spirit helping me step into a moment that would have been much harder for Melanie. Whether anyone else would see significance in it or not, I did—and it reminded me that our Father sees details we often overlook.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. – Romans 8:14 (NIV)

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. – Psalm 139:3 (NIV)

Jesus told us that not even the sparrows are forgotten before God. If our Father notices sparrows, He surely notices us, His sons and daughters. He notices the little moments in our homes, the quiet concerns and worries in our hearts, and the things that matter to us even when they seem small to everyone else. And, yes, even spiders!

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” – Luke 12: 6 (NIV)

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. – Luke 12:7 (NIV)

That is what I want to leave with you today: God loves you. He cares for you. He is not only Lord of the big miracles and our major life events. He is also Lord of our ordinary mornings, those quiet nudges and promptings, the hidden protection, and yes—even the itsy-bitsy spider.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

So, the next time something small happens—something that seems too ordinary to mention—do not be too quick to dismiss it. Thank God for His nearness. Thank Jesus for making a way for you to come boldly to the Father. And listen for the Holy Spirit, who still comforts, guides, and reminds us that we are never alone.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; – Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

Our God is in the big things, without question. But praise God, He is also in the small things. And, I love my bride with all of my heart (my MelleBelles as many of you know I call her). I shudder to think that if that would’ve been her, well…not such a great start to a morning for her. But God…