Have you ever noticed how a small bird sometimes flies beside or behind a larger bird? Being the bird enthusiast I am, I’d like to think the larger bird is a role model and a leader in the relationship. But after a bit of research, the reality is that the smaller bird is playing offense and deterring the giant bird from the nest to protect its babies.
What an incredible picture of how we are to help our fellow believers when the enemy gets too close to the nest of our loved ones. We cannot drive away the other person’s temptations for them or fix their problems, that is God’s job, but we can point them to the only One who can, Jesus Christ.
While someone is experiencing a season of suffering, pain, loss, heartache, or temptation, we can:
- Listen (James 1:19).
- Pray with them and for them (James 5:16).
- Hold their hand / remind them who holds them by their right hand (Is. 41:10).
- Sing hymns of praise with them (Eph. 5:19).
- Be their accountability buddy (Prov. 27:17).
- Feed them- not just their body and mind but also their souls with the encouraging Word of God to remind them who Christ says they are (I Peter 2:9; Ps. 139:14; Eph. 2:10).
- Direct their attention away from the temptation; play interference with the enemy by pointing them to Christ and His truth (James 1:12-13; I Cor. 10:13).
Next time you see a little bird following a large bird of prey, ask yourself- who can I play offense for today by pointing them to Jesus and offering a listening ear or word of encouragement?
Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. 