The Blue Jay Battle
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
Every day we enter a war zone! Sometimes we win the battles and sometimes we don’t! I enjoy hearing both kinds of stories because there is always a lesson in there somewhere. Glenda Ferguson (All God’s Creatures) shares a winning story. Read on!
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My husband, Tim, and I strolled around the large cemetery located at a remote country church. We walked one lap on the paved pathway before the peacefulness was interrupted.
“Jeer! Jeer!” From behind us came the attack call of blue jays. Whatever was causing the chatter and aggression was shielded from our sight. We could only see the pair strafing some unknown vicious predator. Despite the birds’ warnings, we crept a bit closer.
The intruder rushed out from behind a row of headstones. Striding straight toward us was…a little black kitten. He was mewing, but acted like he had nothing to fear.
Again, the blue jays dive-bombed the fearless feline, attempting to peck him on top of his head. Tim acted quickly by scooping up the kitten and jogging toward our truck. He gently settled the kitten on the seat. As I hurried to follow him, I observed the blue jays heading toward their nesting area in the trees. “Jeer! Jeer!” The battle had been won.
We checked on the kitty. He had curled up in the middle of the seat and was fast asleep! His purring sounded like the truck’s motor was running. Tim named the rescue kitten Stamper, after the church where we had been walking.
I want to be more like Stamper (and Tim), maintaining tranquility while a battle rages around me. Tim was fighting cancer but was at peace with the diagnosis and trusted fully in God. As for me, I was struggling with being strong among all the enemy’s attacks on my faith and have a positive mindset. I am reminded of what Paul writes in Ephesians about the full arsenal of God’s protection. Wearing the shoes with sure footing, I can stand firm. The shield of faith over my heart deflects doubts.
While fleeing the blue jays, we could have all benefited from “the full armor”! From now on, as I start my day, I will visualize the armor deflecting attacks on my peace of mind.
Walk of Faith: Read Ephesians 6:10-17 and visualize donning the full armor as you begin your day.
Gracious God, thank You for providing armor during difficult times. Please help us remember to put it on as we go out every morning. AMEN.