On Manitoulin Island, John and I had cattle and sheep on a farm for years. We were very aware of foxes searching for food. They are very cunning animals. They can smell a mouse beneath the snow and catch partridge that burrow under the snow for protection during a snowstorm. Driving on the roads during winter, I enjoy watching the snow cover along the sides and seeing the tracks of foxes hunting their meal. Their diet is quite varied. However, we lost both chickens and small lambs to this predator.

One day, John and I were checking on the cattle in the back field. As we got close to an area of limestone ledges and crevices under a shallow layer of earth, we heard odd noises. Following the direction of the strange noises, we found a tunnel dug into the limestone area. Looking into the hole, we could see young fox kits playing among the ledges and crevices of the rock. We assumed that the vixen was out hunting.

I am reminded of this Scripture verse:

Matthew 8:20 – Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (NIV)

It is amazing to think that the God who created the world and everything on earth could not find comfort for His head to rest. Jesus Christ came to earth to show us the love that God had for humankind, desiring that we might not perish but have eternal life.

Walking back to the house, John said to me, "Watching those cute little foxes, one could forget about losing baby lambs for awhile!"

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

As children of God, we must be aware of the little sins in our lives that can spoil our spiritual growth and erode our faith and witness for Jesus Christ. We need to be on guard and not compromise the truths learned from Scripture and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We must guard our hearts against sins, big or small.

Prayer: Gracious God, help us to love You more, because You first loved us. Like the psalmist, we pray, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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