by Elizabeth Haarberg

Living as God sees us.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Eagles are portrayed as beautiful, graceful, powerful birds, even in scripture.

“But those who hope in Yahweh will regain their strength, they will sprout wings like eagles, though they run they will not grow weary, though they walk they will never tire.”
Isaiah 40:31

On good days, I feel like an eagle. Regal and the child of the most High King.

Then there are days I relate more to a turkey.

The picture below depicts turkeys that bombard our tree for berries at different times of the year. They are mostly awkward birds that are off balance while they are perched in the tree. They run around in circles and are comical to watch as they hunt and peck.

I’m sure if birds made jokes, the turkey would be at the top of the list.

As much as I would like to always soar like an eagle, there are just days I’m a turkey. Things don’t feel right, nothing is going well, and I’m just a little awkward.

But, God never sees me as a turkey. He only looks at me as an eagle, even if I don’t always see myself that way.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
1 John 3:1

His love not only changes us on the inside but it also changes how we see ourselves. If He is love, then we experience the greatest love available. This changes everything.

When I feel more like a turkey, I eventually surrender to Him so He can transform me. In those moments, I’m reminded how much I need a savior. That I can’t do all this alone, and shouldn’t.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

He continues to pour out grace, mercy and love on us, no matter how we see ourselves that day.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado