Let's face it. Spiders are creepy. They have multiple beady eyes, skittery legs, and alien-looking mandibles.
If they didn't do such a great job reducing the mosquito and fly population they'd have very little redeeming value.
But why do they have to be so repugnant? I'll tell you why.
One time Cathy and I were driving home after a vacation. It was late and I needed a bathroom break. We pulled into a rest stop where a number of motorcycles were parked to the side.
I rounded the partition to the men's room and started to reach for the door when I stopped cold. There on the door knob was a spider whose legs spanned a good couple of inches.
That moment of pause, however saved me though, because when I stopped, I saw a black boot appear on the other side of the partition and also stop. My hesitation to enter, likely made the biker feel as though I was aware of him. I turned back and he retreated.
Upon reentering my car, and locking the doors, Cathy told me what she saw.
As I walked toward the lighted restrooms, a man stood up and crept toward me. She sensed the ill intent from him. She was willing me to stop and when I did, he turned and quickly went back into the shadows.
I'm convinced that I would have been mugged at least.
This might not answer why God created spiders, but I'm glad that He uses their characteristics to keep his children safe.
