The Black and Yellow Argiope spider is a member of the Orb weaver family of spiders each night is takes down and rebuilds its web, paying careful attention to construction of the web. These spiders are also known as writing spiders because of the zigzag pattern often found in the center of their web. The web can be more than two feet across with the ability to catch prey that is 200% its own size. Because of their poor eyesight, these spiders depend heavily on the vibrations of its web, making the construction of the web vital to its very survival.

As the spiders grow they have to molt their exoskeleton, they anchor their feet as the inside layer of their skin is digested and then they fall out of their old skin, they are particularly vulnerable as they wait for their new skin to harden. If the spider has lost a leg, it is even possible during this shedding process to grow a new one.

These spiders can create up to seven different types of silk, of varying thicknesses and stickiness. The silk is so different because the chemical composition is different for each type.

These spiders are usually found in sunny areas among flowers, in a spot that is out of the direct wind. They are not tolerant to the cold and usually die with the first hard frost.

After mating the females produce a large brown egg sack, the outer layers of which are specially designed to protect the young spiders from predators, and parasites like wasps, which will eat the spiders before they can hatch.

I found one of these spiders, outside my church. Insects have always been fascinating for me; even now I have several specimens in my kitchen freezer. Often I am found crawling around on the ground attempting to photograph such a critter. Strange and beautiful creatures, the same hand that spoke the spider into existence, procured our salvation. We often miss the little details that remind us of just how great our God is.

The web provides shelter, protection and sustenance for the spider, but the spider must live in the web and responsive to the vibrations. I am reminded of the passage of scripture in John 15:4-7(NIV) “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” We find our life and shelter when we are connected to the vine, like the spider in its web.

I also look back on my life already and remember the little exoskeleton hanging from the web, how small and immature I once was, and by God’s grace I am shedding the sin of my former self. I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind through the word of God. (Romans 12:2) I still have many more layers to shed, that’s the process of sanctification, there are things even now that keep me stunted in my faith. I can relate to Thomas who wanted to see Christ with his own eyes, to touch the scars with his own hands after the resurrection, sometimes I don’t have the spiritual vision and I must by faith depend on the vibrations of the web, and trust that God is in control, even when I can’t tell he is.

I was amazed to learn that this spider reconstructs the web every day, which shows a dedication that I lack as a human. I get busy and I have my prayer time and my bible reading but I don’t spend time crafting the relationship as I ought. Each day this spider carefully takes down and rebuilds the web, a process that takes lots of time and energy and effort, it takes all of its resources to maintain the relationship it has with this structure. But it was crafted for this purpose; it was given the ability to produce the seven chemically different strands of silk required to build its web. I too was crafted for this relationship; I was designed for fellowship, with Almighty God, but how easily I lose of sight of that.

Fortunately I have a God of grace and mercy who isn’t dependent on my works. That is so profound, even writing that now, doesn’t truly account for the magnanimity of the idea. He has given me everything I need for life AND he made it beautiful. I’ve spent the last few years bringing a vision for His creation and the splendor of his works through my photography. Studying the details of just one of his many creations, I am able to share that with others to increase his glory. My praise is so much more rich, my worship so full, to realize that the same God that spoke the world into existence, came down as a man, so that fellowship could be restored with me.

I think about how because I am His child he wraps me in the safety of his arms. Even better than the protective layers of the egg sack, I am surrounded by his love, safe in the shelter of his wings. The world rages around me, but The Sovereign and Mighty is holding me. What a God!

So by faith, God is bringing me back to a place of indepth study of his word, and I believe a place to minister the wonder of creation to others around me. His grace has sustained and blessed me these last few years, but I am seeing him moving me into a new direction, and I believe this is the step I must take by faith, I just can’t believe it took me almost seven years to figure this part out.

Bartlett, T. 2004 “Species Argiope Aurantia - Yellow Garden Spider” (online), Bugguide.net, accessed December 16, 2008 at http://bugguide.net/node/view/2025

Hammond, G. 2002. "Argiope Aurantia" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed December 16, 2008 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Argiope_aurantia.html.

Valerie .2004 “Argiope” (online), Garden Bits, Accessed December 16, 2008 at http://home.att.net/~larvalbugrex/argiope.html

Blue Letter Bible. "John 15 - New International Version." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2008. 16 Dec 2008. < b="Jhn&c="15&t="NIV">