There’s this bird,

I call him Eustace

 

And he spends a lot of time

in our backyard

 

When he’s here

he consistently plays the part of the bully

 

He chases away all other birds

with rude squawks and aggression

 

But the strangest thing about Eustace

is this

 

He bullies our cat Rodney

 

Little Eustace taunts Big Rodney

as if roles were reversed

 

We’ve seen Rodney running from Eustace across the yard

as if his life depended on it

 

And when Rodney perches atop the platform on our porch

Eustace flies at him, squawking protests loudly

 

But the truth is, this is Rodney’s territory,

he belongs here

 

Eustace is an outsider

 

And all of this got me to thinking

about Christ Followers

 

We are often bullied

by our spiritual enemy

 

He loves to make us think

he is larger than he really is

 

The reality though

is that God is infinitely bigger and more powerful

than the devil

 

So, friend, know your identity

as a child of God!

 

When the enemy squawks and bullys

stand firm, resist and tell him how powerful your Protector is

 

And let him know

this is not his territory

 

Don’t cower before this snake

KNOW the power that resides in you

 

Get lost, Eustace

 

– Susie Stewart

 

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (NLT)

 

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

– Ephesians 1:19,20 (NLT)

 

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

– Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart