One thing I have been trying to get used to while living here in Poland is crossing the street at crosswalks where there are no pedestrian signals. Here, pedestrians have the right of way, and drivers are expected to stop for them. I know it is supposed to work that way in the United States too, but where I live, it is not always wise to step out into the street until you have made eye contact with the driver and know that they are actually stopping.
Here in Poland, however, people seem to simply step out in faith, believing the cars will stop as they are supposed to. Now, I have to confess that I am a bit of a chicken! I usually wait until someone else steps out first. Apparently I have a little trouble putting my faith in the drivers here!
Recently, in my reading from Thru the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee, I came across Proverbs 30:28, which says “the spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces” . Dr McGee explains that the Hebrew word translated as spider refers to a little lizard. He describes how its feet enable it to cling to marble walls, and ceilings. That immediately brought to mind the geckos we have in Florida.
On occasion, I have had a gecko hanging onto the windshield of my truck, and I’ve been amazed at its ability to hang on as I drive down the highway.
Dr. McGee makes this application to our faith: “this teaches us about faith, the kind of faith that takes hold of the promises of God. It is the faith that says I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”
As children of God, we know that we are in His hands. But sometimes, we need to hold tightly to His promises, just as that gecko clings to my windshield. Life can be uncertain, and we don’t always know what lies ahead. Yet faith isn’t about knowing every turn in the road; it’s about knowing the One who leads us.
I may still be hesitant to step into the crosswalks here in Poland., but I want to grow in my willingness to trust God and follow where He leads. Faith doesn’t mean we will never be afraid or have questions. It means we keep trusting His faithfulness even when we cannot see the outcome. The next time I see a gecko hanging onto my windshield for dear life, I hope it reminds me to do the same–to cling to God’s promises knowing that He is able to keep all that I have committed to Him,
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