Have you ever watched a hawk soaring above, and noticed a much smaller bird following it closely, then attempt to peck at it? Surely this must irritate and annoy the bigger bird! To have this little thing chasing her and following her around, attempting to dive bomb her, when all that big bird wants to do is go about its business, without interruption. Instead, this little bothersome bully of a bird is trying to thwart her plans, and chase her away by changing her direction.

Christians are like that great bird. We strive to live our life every day the way we know it ought to be lived, but there is always this little annoying ‘devil’ following us around, whispering in our ear, pecking at us, attempting to change our focus from Godly things to worldly things. He doesn’t want us to go the right way. He doesn’t want us to make the wise decision, but instead wants to egg us on, to challenge us, to annoy us, wanting us to believe that he has some power over our life – but he does only if we allow him to.

The truth is, we have the wings of eagles, the strength of lions, the wisdom and patience of owls, and the best weapons at our disposal – all available to us whenever we need them.

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31

Our Heavenly Father watches over us. He will not allow the evil one to overtake us unless God himself has a greater purpose in mind. His strength, wisdom and arms are all available to us at any time.

“..You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.”
Exodus 19:4-5

So if you feel that little devil bird is annoying the heck out of you by trying to bring on depression, or cause you to make a wrong turn, or is constantly pecking and picking on you, remind him who is in charge – your Father God. Call on the name of Jesus, and those demons will flee, or even fly, fly away. Use those weapons – the talons of peace, the beak that speaks Scripture, the powerful legs that carry the truth of the gospel, and the wings of praise that lift us up high!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:10-13

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12

Food for thought: Put your thoughts on higher things and soar above those temptations that the evil one keeps putting in your path. Change your course – go up!!

Fun facts: Birds of prey are highly intelligent, have excellent eyesight, are good parents, and are very strong. Hmm, sounds like characteristics of a true follower of Jesus!

Photo by: Jonny McLaren – Bird in flight