Lessons from a Lizard: Trusting God in Chaos

When I unfurled the hose this morning, I didn’t expect a lizard to jump into my bucket, but he did. And the problem began.

That lizard bounded right into some fertilizer that was in the bottom of my bucket. I didn’t know what the fertilizer would do to him, so I tried to get him out. He was not a fan of my gloved hands reaching for him, so the extraction took some maneuvering between a frantic lizard and awkward fingers.

When he was finally panting on the ground beside the bucket, I remembered that I had just sprayed one of my plants with an organic horticultural spray. That spray was all over the gloves with which I had touched that poor lizard. Now I was worried about the consequences of the spray on the lizard’s well being.

I could think of only one solution – water. So, I turned on the hose and gently sprayed him to rinse him off.

Once again, he was not a fan. But no longer panting, he ran as fast as his little feet would carry him. He is probably still telling stories about the crazy lady with whom he had the unfortunate encounter this morning.

That’s okay, though. I think I saved his life.

I can identify just a little with that lizard. Some days, I don’t understand why things happen like they do. I’m minding my own business (I think) when suddenly somebody unfurls a hose, and chaos breaks loose in my life. No matter what I do, the turmoil continues. When the showers fall, I fail to see them as showers of blessing even though God may be sending me exactly what I need to strengthen and sustain me. Finally, I run.

If I am wise, I run straight for my Father whose arms are open wide. Too often, I run frightened like the lizard, trying to get my bearings.

Here’s what I am learning, though.

• I have a Father who can be trusted through all the trials of this life.

• He will not allow the troubles that shower me to drown me.

• He is my Deliverer, my Fortress, my Strong Tower. I can run to Him.

• Instead of a frantic lizard-like response when trials come, I can rest in Him, knowing that He will keep me. He is my sure foundation.

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In Christ, I am God’s child. He has promised that nothing can separate me from His love.

Not even a crazy lady with hose.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, KJV).

Father, how thankful I am that You are in charge of me, that You keep me through all the crazy happenings in this world. I’m so glad I can trust You. I’m so glad You love me and hold me close to Your heart. I’m facing this day with courage because I know You are in control. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray.