I am very grateful for a work schedule that allows me to linger at the kitchen table in the mornings. This quiet time is filled with reading, writing, and more moments than I care to admit of mindlessly scrolling through social media. The soundtrack to my morning is filled with the peaceful sounds of nature and the occasional rustle of leaves as an over-zealous squirrel precariously dangles from a branch after a misjudged flying leap.

One morning, however, the tweeting dialogue between robins perched on our deck railing was unmistakably different. The normally sweet, sing-song melody was replaced by a raucous single chirp blasting about every four or five seconds.

Curiosity drew me away from the table toward the door. Gently pushing the curtain aside, I peered through the glass and discovered why the robin had literally changed his tune. Sitting on my neighbor's chain-link fence was a large falcon. Intimidated and perhaps scared, the robin raised its voice, announcing the presence of this predator.

As I stood in silence, it struck me that the robin was completely oblivious to my presence. Why? Because he was preoccupied with the potential threat of this perceived enemy. Staring at the robin, I thought, "Oh little one, if you just knew that I was standing right here, you would not have to be afraid." Why? Because in my presence, the falcon would flee.

As I pondered the predicament of the robin, I sensed the Holy Spirit begin to reveal a simple truth. We can either be preoccupied with the devil's activity or we can be consumed with God's ability. We can focus on the pathetic potshots of an agitated enemy, or we can focus on the outrageous omnipotence and the lavish love of the Omnipresent One.

Suddenly, it was as if my robin-directed exhortation bounced off the glass and penetrated my own heart. The Holy Spirit gently whispered, "As easily as you could have opened the door and freed that robin from the tyranny of the falcon, I am right here and I am stepping into your situation. You do not have to be afraid."

Perhaps you have been making chirping-robin statements like, "The enemy has really been after me lately," "The devil must sure be mad," and "I am just feeling really under attack today." Would you allow the Holy Spirit to draw your attention away from the activity of the enemy and to focus instead, on the presence, power, and provision of God? Receive His promise from Isaiah 41:10. "‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]’" [AMP]. 

Today, rejoice in the Truth, "...the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits" [Daniel 11:32 NKJV]. You, my friend, are a victor, an overcomer, and more than a conqueror.

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