I spent some time reading about the mating habits of praying mantis and giant squids today (I may not be a nerd, but i have excellent nerd potential). In a way, I think the sexual behavior of both creatures provides a little insight in regards to how God’s sovereignty is at work in our love lives (or lack therof).

Take the giant squid. Although never actually observed, it’s mating process has been widely theorized  and can only be described as extremely violent and exquisitely painful. One or both creatures end up maimed or even dead. Despite all of this, they keep reproducing! Why? Because they cannot deny their instinctual drive to be fruitful and multiply.

The same can be said for the praying mantis. Sometimes the female mantis devours the male after sex. It’s not as if the male doesn’t know hes taking a huge risk by courting her. Some even try to choose females who’ve recently eaten and aren’t as hungry. Despite the risk, they are drawn to mate and inevitably die. Why? They are playing their part in God’s sovereign plan.

And then there’s you and me. We have a part to play in God’s grand design as well. Proverbs 16:9 says ”A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re like the male mantis, you know that love is risky. Perhaps you’re biding your time, waiting for the perfect partner (one who isn’t going to eat you alive). But you should know that even the best PLAN in the world isn’t going to give you complete control over you future. Maybe you’re like the giant squid. You PLAN on love being extremely painful, but you’re committed to finding that special someone. To you, I say take heart! You can’t be sure of anything. You are seeing through a glass darkly. Only God knows how your future will unfold.

In view of God’s sovereignty,excessive planning almost seems silly now doesn’t it?  It’s sort of like using a map you’ve drawn yourself … with crayons…  from memory. Wake up! God is using OnStar!