A Fierce Heart

We have a covered roof that wraps around two sides of our house that I use for wood storage. It is very full of various woods that I will use this winter. The other morning I was heading out to feed the llamas when I noticed a small set of tracks that emerged from the wood pile across the snow and disappeared into some tall grass. The tracks were from a weasel or ermine as they used to be called when their fur was in demand for women's coats and accessories. The little animal was very sought after in the early 1900's but now their pelts bring very little money. I have caught a few when I trapped pine marten as they both use the same habitat. They are a great mouser and will eliminate a population quickly. I'm happy it is here and hope the little guy spends the winter.

If a weasel weighed 35 pounds instead of a few ounces we would be in big trouble. They are a fierce little animal that will take on something much bigger. They are capable of killing a snowshoe hare and climb fast enough to catch squirrels. Several years ago I left Ardella on a log beside a brush pile to deer hunt and she heard something growling near her when a white head with beady black eyes appeared and was trying to chase her from his winter home. The little guy wasn't about to share his space and kept appearing , disappearing , growling his disgust with her. They seem to be an animal with a high energy level like they are overdosed on caffeine.

God put a fierce heart in that little animal so it can survive in a world much bigger. It is that kind of heart and determination that can drive people to greatness and overcome great opposing odds. David had that fierce heart when as a teenager he tool on Goliath. David never once doubted the outcome. Peter had the boldness to proclaim the good news even under the threat of death. Paul's fire of the heart could not be extinguished in a Roman prison and converted many of the prison guards. Jesus had it when he chased the money changers from the temple and as he took on the Jewish leaders when they tried to trap him with various provoking questions.

We should pray to know when to use that same courage in our daily lives. If we stick to the truth of the Bible and not our own feelings, we can accomplish great things in our walk on this earth. God doesn't expect us to be trampled and walked on. But we should let God lead our hearts in all areas of our lives. He wants a relationship with us not a religion.