Why Mosquitoes?

Bible Reading: Genesis 1:21-25; Isaiah 11:6-9; Revelation 21:4

“Ohhh, I’m getting so itchy! I hate mosquitoes!” Grace slapped her arm. All evening she and her brother Wyatt had been bothered by the pesky bugs, but they hadn’t wanted to stay inside the cabin.

“Well, I’m not ready to go in yet,” said Wyatt. “We only have a couple more days here at the lake, and I want to fish some more and—ouch!” He interrupted himself as he slapped at a mosquito on his leg.

“Let’s get some more bug spray,” said Grace, so they ran up the hill to the cabin, where their parents were sitting on the screened-in porch.

“You two tired of fishing already?” asked Dad.

“No, but we’re getting eaten alive! We have to put on more insect repellent,” Wyatt explained.

“Why did God have to make mosquitoes anyhow?” asked Grace.

“Well, mosquitoes might be a nuisance to you, but they’re important to some of God’s creatures,” said Dad. “Dragonflies, for example. They’re food for them.”

Mom nodded. “And for purple martins and a lot of other birds.”

“Bats eat mosquitoes too,” Dad said. “There are also certain kinds of fish that eat mosquito larvae.”

“Really?” said Grace. “Well, if you ask me, they’re welcome to ’em!”

“Do you remember what God said after He created the heavens and earth?” Dad asked.

“Sure. It was one of our memory verses at church,” replied Wyatt. He recited the verse. “God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”

“Right.” Dad nodded. “But now, unfortunately, all of creation has been affected by sin. That’s why some things God created are now harmful and irritating. But everything He made has a purpose, and He’s promised to restore harmony within all of creation someday in the future. The Bible says that when Jesus returns, He’ll get rid of sin and the pain it causes, and we’ll be able to enjoy His creation the way He intended it to be. Then the mosquitoes won’t be a problem anymore.”

Grace grinned and held up the can of insect repellent. “Well, this stuff has a purpose too,” she said, “and I hope it works!” -Linda M. Weddle

How About You?

Do you wonder why God created mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky bugs? Have you ever wished He hadn’t made snakes or spiders or other creatures you don’t like? Everything God created is part of His plan, but sin has affected that plan. However, there’s still a purpose for all He has made, and someday God will restore harmony to His creation. Thank Him for making all things good and for His promise to make everything right again one day.

Today’s Key Verse:
Genesis 1:31 God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Everything has a purpose