No Scorpions for Me! - Encouragement for Today - July 4, 2025
No Scorpions for Me!
SHIRLEE ABBOTT
Lee en español
“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” Luke 11:11-12 (ESV)
My mother-in-law never encountered a scorpion until she lived in Texas when my husband was a toddler. She was horrified to discover him poking at one! Her protective reflexes kicked in, and she quickly put distance between him and trouble.
Scorpions, with their pincers and stinging tails, may fascinate little boys, but like my mother-in-law, I want to keep my distance. Yet here’s a scorpion front and center in today's Bible reading:
“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:11-12).
In this verse, Jesus used fish and eggs to represent the good things we might ask God for. Conversely, serpents and scorpions represent things that might harm us.
That’s easy, I think, No scorpions for me — I’ll request and receive blessings!
But the Holy Spirit nudges me to look deeper. I turn the verse upside down: What if a child unknowingly asked for a scorpion — something harmful? A good parent would know better than to fulfill this request.
How often have I asked for a scorpion instead of an egg? How often has God whisked me away from danger and moved me to safety? How many of my “unanswered” prayers were blessings in disguise?
I can only guess.
The car that didn’t start … maybe God protected me from an accident. The hoped-for friendship that failed … it might not have been the healthy relationship I imagined. And the dream job someone else got … I watched it play out in what would have been, for me, a serious conflict of values. My options would have been to quit or be fired. I dodged a scorpion.
When we unwittingly ask for scorpions, God offers eggs instead.
And even when hard things come our way, our heavenly Father may be protecting us from a future scorpion’s sting that would be worse than our present discomfort. After all, Jesus offers us salvation from the “sting of death” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57, ESV)! So today, life may give us a scorpion, but in God’s hands, even disaster and loss can become like eggs of redemption, renewing our resolve and strengthening our souls. And if He doesn’t move it away, God will hold any scorpion with us.
Think through the prayers you’ve thought God failed to answer. Could it be that your requests were more bite than blessing? He is our good, good Father, and He always has our best interests at heart.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for being a good parent, protecting me from scorpions and nourishing me with eggs. Holy Spirit, grant me the wisdom to know the difference — and the faith to trust that You know best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
As we reflect on freedom this Independence Day, wouldn’t it be freeing to experience more peace in our relationships? As easy as it is to look at other people as the source of problems, sometimes starting to work on ourselves is the most productive choice we can make right now. In a recent Therapy & Theology episode, “Why Did I React Like That?,” Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle discuss four different reaction types. They’ll also help you understand how knowing your reaction type can lead to healthier communication and deeper connection. Watch now!
ENGAGE
For constructive thoughts and morning prayers built with simple words and short sentences, visit Shirlee’s “Souls Under Construction” website, or follow her on Facebook.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Genesis 50:20a, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (NLT).
Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (NLT).
Joseph’s brothers handed him a “scorpion” by selling him into slavery — but he watched God transform this situation into a good “egg” in Genesis 50:20.
When have you seen God bring good out of a bad situation? Or when did something you thought was good turn out to be a “scorpion” God saved you from?
How could you look for God’s transforming touch while you wait for Him to answer your prayers right now? Share with us in the comments.
© 2025 by Shirlee Abbott. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
