"Catch us the little foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes." Song of Solomon 2:15
I was taught by my spiritual father that backsliding is not a "blow out" it's a "slow leak." To explain it in a practical sense: a person does not decide out of the blue to quit their job, leave their family, or to take their life. These are examples of situations that began as "little foxes." The little foxes are often disguised as "innocent" passing thoughts that agree with your emotions at the time. These thoughts sometimes come in the form of ungodly suggestions that provide superficial comfort and human justification. Although you may know inwardly that these are not godly thoughts, you may still toy with them and chuckle to yourself thinking that they're not serious. In reality, these little foxes are meant to woo and seduce you into demonic traps that are meant to destroy your life.
What happens is the enemy plants seeds into your mind in the form of thoughts (the little foxes). These foxes are in disguise, and not taking them seriously only allows them to grow bigger. After a period of time, these little foxes have produced BIG issues in your life. For example, let's say a person has been delivered from alcoholism for years. This person comes home after a stressful day of work and a thought comes to mind, "It sure would be nice to have a cold beer." Three weeks later, the person gets into a heated argument with a spouse and this thought comes to mind, "I could really use a drink." Then, while relaxing and watching TV, a Budweiser commercial comes on! These are real situations that happen to everyone and different ways (if we would be real). It's how we deal with them that determines the outcome. Dealt with the wrong way, it won't be long before this individual finds him or herself in pulling up to a bar.
So, how do you get rid of the little foxes? I'm glad you asked. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to "cast down arguments and anything that lifts itself above the word of God and to bring it into the obedience of Christ." Meaning the moment we recognize that the thoughts we're thinking are against what God's word says, we are to reject them and not receive them. Those are the times to speak the word to the enemy, and remind Him that God has ALL power in your life! James 4:7 says "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Turning to the word of God will help you submit to God and resist the devil. I encourage you to read and study your bible--- especially if you are a Christian. Without the word of God, you are useless against the enemy.
It's not to late to get rid of the little foxes......Begin by putting on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18
Stay Well & Blessed!
