A well-kept vineyard is beauty to behold. But the viticulturist continually battles pests that can destroy and obliterate the vines and fruit.
The battle depends on the climate and region of the vineyard. The ecosystem and variety of grape dictate the growth habit of vines, water need nutrients and prevalent pests. Some varieties of grapes are resistant to certain pests and disease.
Infestation of certain bugs may be problematic. When we planted our vineyard in the middle of a pasture, grasshoppers were prevalent. Other potential pests included leaf phylloxera, grape leafroller, grape berry moth, borers, flea beetles, various caterpillars, aphids, mealybugs and Japanese beetles and more.
Insecticide use at the precise time was necessary to keep pest infestation at bay. All effort was made to use the least amount of chemical and organic chemicals to protect the vine and promote fruit production.
Likewise, dangers lurk in the life of the church and the Christian.
The Master Viticulturist, God, is vigilant and we are promised that He fights for us.
He is vigilantly fighting for us to destroy the plagues and little foxes that spoil the vine. He knows that the little foxes will grow into bigger foxes and multiply. Just like pests can destroy the entire vineyard if left unchecked.
As we abide, we depend on God to help us in time of battle. A great reminder is when God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians through ten plagues. And in Exodus 14:14 Moses reminded the Children of God that “The Lord will fight for you while you only need to keep silent and remain calm.”
Thankfully God does fight for us. May our faith grow as we abide and trust in him daily.
But the weapons of our warfare equip us to fight. More to come on the battlefront.
Scripture for Today
“My heart was touched and I fervently sang to him my desire. Take for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards of our love, for our vineyards are in blossom” (Song of Solomon 2:15 AMPC).
God’s Whisper
Come, My Beloved. Abide in my everlasting love. Yes. The little foxes come with distractions and sin that captures and steals your affections. Desires that keep you focused on issues other than Your Beloved, the Lover of your Soul. Let your heart sing a new song of your hearts desire, to the Savior of your Soul. He has chosen you. Follow closely and abide in the vineyards of his love. Yes, the vineyard is in blossom.
Looking for a good memoir? Go no further…
Before You Depart: God’s Touch before Eternity
© 2022 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
