Songs of Solomon 2:15 Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl
Research shows that only 8% of people achieve their dreams/goals & 92% just give up or fail to pursue. 70% of the projects globally fail due to inaccurate estimates, uninvolved participants and lack of commitment. It is very shocking to note that the most common reason for divorce in this world is “lack of commitment”. It is depressingly surprising that the greatest battles we face are not major financial crisis or life threatening health issues but small, insignificant and silly issues that erode our tenacity and resilience to overcome challenges. It is the little foxes that ruin the vineyard and the blooms that would soon turn into grapes and wine.
King Saul, the first king of Israel allowed little foxes to spoil his kingdom, his reputation and his posterity. His sin was not adultery or idolatry. His sin was envy, hatred and animosity. Saul could not tolerate the dancing damsels commending David for his most astounding victory against Goliath the giant. Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly (1 Samuel 18:8). Envy turned into anger and anger into bitter animosity. Saul lived as a bloodthirsty envious ravaging beast for the rest of his life! The little foxes gobbled his crown. At the end of his life the great king who ruled Israel for 40 years took his life and died a pathetic death. Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words. His strength was gone (1 Samuel 28:20). Fear engulfed the courageous warrior king as he allowed the little foxes of jealousy to destroy the blossom of God’s abundant grace.
Little foxes that steal our strength and resilience:
1. Small: Small decisions have a big impact on life. Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things. Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too (Luke 16:10). A small white lie, sporadic mood swings or even occasional outburst of irritation, envy or anger can greatly impact our growth in future. Small irregularities wane away our resilience.
2. Silly: The reason behind big problems is normally very silly and ridiculous irritations. Marriage, churches, communities and families have split and hoarded enmity for generations because of silly egos or envy. Fostering frustrations can drain away our strength with no stamina of resilience to rebound when we face challenges.
3. Significant: Small is significant. Resilience is built not at the time of adversity but every day. Training ourselves in the small daily disciplines will bolster resilience to build our home, career and business in the long run. Build resilience bit by bit, little by little.
Beware of the small, silly and insignificant issues (foxes) that could spoil the bloom of our future.
2 Chronicles 15:7 “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
Prayer: Father God, make me vigilant and wise to snatch the little foxes and drive them out before they get to my vine. Amen
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