Sheep among the wolves

When God sends us out, it isn't always easy. He doesn't just sent us out to labor among a bed of roses. Sometimes, we are among the wolves. And if you know anything about wolves, you know that they are hungry and they will devour if given the chance.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

Wolves prowl, especially at night, they look and they wait for the chance to pounce. They know what they are looking for, they can smell their bait for miles away. Christians need to be warned that there is not only sheep among us but also wolves. Sometimes it is difficult to tell them apart, for the wolves sometimes dress up as sheep to fool us.

Sometimes the wolves dress up as sheep in order to persuade others to follow them. And at other times, sheep will dress up as wolves so they can take charge, manipulate and deceive others. It is not our job to change wolves into sheep. We are, however, given a charge to bring forth the wolves and allow the Shepherd to transform them into lambs.

I find it mind boggling how easily people are tricked. Even though God's Word warns them of it, they are still misguided and easily lured into falling for deception and untruths. This happens because who we see as the sheep really are just wolves in disguise. A disguised wolf is a great danger to the flock.

How can we tell the wolves from the sheep?

The wolves will snarl, hiss and bite. The sheep graze peacefully. I don't know about you, but I have come across a few wolves along the way and it is not easy to fend them off at times. But we must remember that God never promised us a rose garden. He never said it would be easy. In fact, He said that trials and tribulation would come our way and that the enemy would come to kill, steal and destroy. And the best way he does that is using trickery. Deceit. Lies. Manipulation. Confusion.

When you face the snarling wolves, and you will, remember what Jesus said in John 15:20:

"If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you!"

Who are they?
The wolves disguised in sheep clothing could possibly be those closest to you:

LUKE 21:16,17 "You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake."

But if you continue reading in Luke 21, you will find God's promise..."But not a hair on your head will perish." Your faithfulness to Him will be rewarded. He will protect us from the pack of wolves and if we will turn around and love our enemies, we just may be able to lead the pack to the Shepherd.

Do not fear, if God could conquer the grave, a few little wolves won't scare Him. He can silence those that set out to hurt His children. But we must be awake and alert to tell the difference between the sheep and the wolves so that we will not be deceived.

Are you ready for the pack?