We live in an area that is home to poisonous snakes.

Long before we found our house, we fell in love with this neighborhood. I remember praying as we sat on a nearby park bench that God would one day give us a home here.

Several years later, He did. However, this amazing answer to prayer came with dangerous creatures such as rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, and wily coyotes. I am learning that sometimes God’s greatest gifts come alongside scary things.

The Israelites learned this too. As they wandered the wilderness for 40 years, it is likely they encountered wild creatures along the route — a route directed by God.

Their trip began with a watery wall being parted so they could safely cross the Red Sea.

Not long afterward, God led them to a place where there were poisonous snakes. Again, God offered a path of saving. “Make a bronze snake, Moses, and lift it up.” And with the same courage that pushed them to walk through the Red Sea, those willing to trust and look up found salvation too.

Life is full of venomous creatures, dangerous circumstances, places, and people. But God can walk us past them. He can save us from their bites. We simply have to do our part and look up and trust.