Of Leaps of Faith and Safety Tethers
In his book Nature's Hallelujah: Daily Devotions Inspired by the Natural World, author Dwight Davis gives insights into the world of the amazing jumping spider ...
The tiny jumping spider may seem unimpressive, but it has many extraordinary gifts—one being exceptional vision. With its large, forward-facing eyes, it sees the world in remarkable detail, allowing it to leap with precision and navigate its surroundings with confidence. This is important, since it doesn’t merely build a web and wait—it actually hunts by stalking.
But there’s another fascinating habit the jumping spider has: before it leaps, it anchors itself with a silk safety line. This thread remains attached, ensuring that if the jump fails, the spider won’t fall too far. Although it trusts its vision, it never jumps without staying connected.
Like the jumping spider, we need clear spiritual vision—but we also need a spiritual anchor, a safety line that is always attached. Without insight from God, we can easily stumble, making choices based on our limited understanding. And without remaining connected to Him—through His Word, prayer, and daily submission to His will—we risk taking leaps in life without the safety and security only He can provide.
Are you seeing your life through God’s eyes or only your own? And are you staying anchored to Him as you take steps of faith?
"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." — Psalm 119:18
"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain" — Hebrews 6:19
"Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand." — Psalm 37:24
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see Your truth clearly. Keep me grounded in Your Word and anchored in Your presence, so I can walk—and leap—with confidence and trust. Amen.
The Wild Ride
What kind of lunatic came up with roller coasters?
“Hey Bob, come here. I’ve got an idea.”
“Yeah, Roy, what is it?”
“It’s a vehicle.”
“Like a car?”
“Not quite.”
“How’s it different?”
"It throws you up in the air, and then it throws you down to the ground, then it spins you around in circles, and it makes you feel like you’re going to fall out, and just before you throw up, you get out and find out you haven’t gone anywhere.”
“Sounds like a bad idea, Roy.”
Roller coasters really aren’t that dangerous. They make you feel all kinds of crazy things, but they’re built so that you’re safe the whole time.
It's the same way with giving a percentage of your income to God's work. Giving money away makes you feel all kinds of crazy things, but it’s built by God, so you’re safe the whole time ... even safer than a roller coaster!
We are hesitant to let go of our money because we're afraid we'll end up empty-handed. But the truth is, giving is one of the most fun things you can do with your money, and you need not fear it. God knows your needs.
"If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30).
Better Lucky Than Good
Hubert Tang had not purchased a lottery ticket in 10 years. But when he found a $20 bill lying on the street, he decided to see how far his good luck might take him. So he bought two scratch-off tickets. While still standing just outside the store, he scratched them and then he turned to the friend who was with him and said, “I think I just won a million dollars!”
Tang now looks forward to spreading his good fortune. He intends to leave $20 bills in random locations for others to find.
You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “Better lucky than good.” Mr. Tang’s story certainly exemplifies that way of thinking. Wisdom would have done something different with that $20 bill, and would have been out that million bucks.
Wisdom can often seem to put us at a disadvantage in this world. But regardless of the advantages or disadvantages that come with the practice of wisdom, those who walk by its principles will always possess one thing that is priceless—wisdom.
Contrary to how it may seem, you and I are always “Better wise than lucky!”
You may not have a reserve of $20 bills to share with the world, but that’s alright. Truth be known, what the world really needs isn't more money but more wisdom. So, why not spread that?
“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her” (Proverbs 3:13-15).