There is a hunger and thirst after righteousness rising up in the hearts of believers – those who truly hunger and thirst after righteousness.

And yes, Satan is scared.  And he is working hard at what he does best – spreading words of deceit to keep God’s children in pits of fear – telling them don’t move – don’t offend – don’t stir up the pot!

Then, the little foxes start to appear.

Does any of this sound familiar to you?  Have you allowed an entrance into your home, your church, your community, or your country for the little foxes to come in and start devouring the little tender grapes?

Song of Solomon 2:15 – “Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.”  (ESV)

The foxes want the little tender grapes – and they will do anything to get to them and devour them.

What are some ways that these sly “little foxes” are gaining entrance into your vineyard?

• Fear
• Jealousy
• Threats
• Gossip
• Hatred
• Discouragement
• Unbelief
• Joy robbers

Jesus spoke about a fox in Luke 13:31-33 – “At that time some Pharisees said to him, “Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!”  Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose.  Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!” (NLT)

I love how the Pharisees come to Jesus pretending to care about him by telling him that he needs to get out of town because Herod is going to kill him!

Jesus sets an example for us in these words – “Go tell that fox that I am going to keep doing what I have been doing.  I don’t heed the words of Herod and I don’t heed the words that you bring to me.”

God is in control even when our circumstances dictate otherwise.  There will be those who come just like the Pharisees did to Jesus and try to discourage us and even try to bring fear tactics against us in order to oppose the spreading of the Gospel.

How do we stand against these little foxes?

 

Ephesians 6:10-18 – 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.  (NLT)

We stand against these “little foxes” by putting on the full armor of God so that we will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil.  We understand that our battles are not against others (flesh and blood) – but that our battles are against the rulers and authorities of the unseen world and the powers of the dark world which are fought in the heavenly places.  Once we have those pieces of the armor in place then we are to pray, pray, pray.  We are to stay alert and be persistent in our prayers.

That is how we stand against little foxes!

God has given us an arsenal to stand against those who come to devour the little tender grapes.   We do not have to run and hide.  We do not have to become discouraged.

My Song: Whom will you fear today? It is time to round up those little foxes today and move them along. Don’t allow the enemy a foothold in your atmosphere today.