Web of Deception

Spiders. Geez. We have an overabundance here on the farmstead. Not just little ones…BIG ones.

So freakishly big, I’ve named one particular species Charlotte spiders.

However, they do spin pretty cool webs. As I sat in our rig, I studied a particularly interesting “Charlotte” web in the tree outside our window.

The intricacy of the web intrigued me. Swirls of circles spiraled in a circumference as wide as a truck tire. Delicate strands connected every circle. Anchor lines attached to the tree and fence held the web in place. One thick squiggly design zigzagged towards the center, finishing the masterpiece at the spider-in-waiting.

These webs are so huge and complex, I wondered why insects, large and small, flew right into them. Why didn’t they see them? Were they blind?

I figured a “story” might be in this somewhere, analogies and all, so I decided to snap a picture. About the time I grabbed my phone for the shot, I heard the words in my spirit: “Web of Deception”. This, followed by the words of the adage: “Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly.”

Huh.

I walked outside and up to the “spider” tree, but couldn’t find the web. I double-checked and yep, right tree. Carefully walking around it, I dodged the “anchor” strands. I spotted the spider, but the web was completely invisible—until the angle of the sun lit it up.

That’s how easily the bugs were entrapped. They didn’t see it either. I only spotted the web through the precise light. Wow.

And then it hit me. Deception. We can’t discern deception in its entirety, if at all, except through Jesus’ perfect light.

He’s the only one who sees the big picture and has the wisdom to guide those who are listening away from being caught. He is also the only one who can lead us out of “the web” when we’re captured.

Matthew 24:24 warns that the deception in these last days will be so powerful that it could deceive even those who can discern and follow the Lord’s voice (the elect). That verse should cause us to stand up straighter and pay attention.

How do we keep from being entangled in that elusive web?

Well, how much time do we spend alone, listening to the Holy Spirit? Is that time a fly-by? Do we speed read through a daily devotional, say a quick prayer of “guide me, bless me” while we bolt towards the door? Or, do we “get things off our chest” in a whirlwind of grievances, feel better, and bounce to the next project (or distraction)?

As my hand reluctantly shot up as a “yes” to all those questions, I had to do some soul-searching. Am I spending enough one-on-one time with my friend and saviour, Jesus? Do I fully understand how much He wants to spend time with me?

No matter how tight our relationship is with Him, there’s always room for improvement.

There are a myriad of deceptive “webs” around us and more being invented every day. To name a few: Nefarious characters practice their art of gaslighting, demanding you believe what they say instead of what you know you see and discern; Eloquent speakers tell outright lies; AI (ARTIFICIAL Intelligence) runs rampant on the World Wide Web; And Photoshop becomes more deceptive in the hands of unethical individuals, as images are changed from the real to the fake.

It’s easy to fly into ‘invisible’ webs if we’re not “sober and alert”. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8,NKJV)). As numerous voices vie for our attention, we must question everything and everyone who says anything … no matter what or who it is, or what platform or pulpit they speak from … and then bring the issue to the only One who knows the truth.

God’s Word encourages in 1 John 2:26-28, ^“These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him^” (NKJV).

 And again in  2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (King James Version).The more we spend time listening to and learning from the Holy Spirit during those quiet moments, the better we’ll recognize his guidance as He leads us through these confusing times. His guiding light will help us avoid the webs that are spun to ensnare us.

^{Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-7, NKJV).}

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About the Author: Shara Bueler-Repka is enjoying life as a singer/songwriter/recording artist, freelance writer, award-winning author, and everything in between. She lives with Bruce, her awesome husband of 22 years, in their living quarters, a horse trailer, and calls “home” wherever their rig is parked. Their mail base, however, is Hallettsville, Texas.

They share God’s Word through their music and testimonies (Pony Express Ministry) and minister with their horses (aka The Boys) in the backcountry. She loves writing about God’s grace in their various adventures on the trail less-traveled.

Join the fun and be encouraged on their website: www.ponyexpressministry.com, her blog: https://lifeonthetraillesstraveled.wordpress.com/, or visit them on Facebook. Check out her book: Walk Like a Warrior: Inspirational True Stories of God’s Encouragement on the Trail-Less Traveled, available on Amazon, their website, and various other outlets. Their music is available on their website or wherever downloads are available.