“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Matthew 10: 16
With no danger or predators around, sheep graze freely; however, when a wolf appears on the horizon, they become alert and run to the shepherd for protection. God sends us out like sheep among wolves because He wants us to run to Him. He sends us out among wolves, not to destroy us, but to give us salvation and an opportunity to regain our faith and grow closer to God.
First, we must believe without a shred of doubt that God is the One sending us out like sheep among wolves. The misfortune or tragedy or string of back luck we face are not random events; they don’t happen because of some course of action we have taken. God has created the situation for us. We must believe God sends us out like sheep among wolves because He has a plan and purpose. And God says, “I am sending you out,” which implies He is nearby. He is the shepherd tending flock, and we are His wandering sheep. He is not far from us.
What is His purpose? We have all experienced straying from God when life is comfortable and kneeling in fervent prayer at the first signs of hardship. This is by design: God sends us wolves when He feels we have strayed. He wants us to grow closer to God. With wolves lurking around, running to the shepherd is the only way to survive. With a wolf on our tail, we don’t saunter to the shepherd; we barrel down and run with everything we have. Whenever we confront hardships, we must shout at the top of our lungs, “This is God’s love!” He is giving us the opportunity to fix what is wrong. So do not complain, fret, or lose heart because it’s His way of having us climb into God’s lap.
In our spiritual life, how do we “run” to God? How do we move our left foot and right foot in perpetual motion to reach the shepherd? Running in faith means repenting and obeying. Repent something you’ve done wrong. That’s one step. Look for God’s will and obey. That’s another step. Do this over and over again until you get closer to God. What is blocking me from God? Is there something I’ve done to alienate God? Repent! Is there something God wants me to do but I’ve avoided doing it? Obey! Repenting and obeying are the steps we take that bring us closer to God.
Be as shrewd as snakes. Know the schemes of the devil like alienation, jealousy, and desire. Know the way the devil tempts us and remain “innocent as doves.” Don’t fall for the schemes. Stay faithful. Be shrewd as snakes. Recognize the devil’s schemes from a mile away. Stay innocent as doves and grow closer to God!
We meet many unforeseen events in life. Why did God give me this illness? Why did my business fail? Why has this person turned on me? Whatever comes our way, we can be flustered momentarily, but we must strengthen our resolve and think, “This is God’s love coming my way. He gives this to me so that I can become closer to Him.” With this kind of faith, we can overcome any obstacle or hardship. When wolves are about, run to the shepherd!
Summary
1. The Lord is the One who sends us out like sheep among wolves.
2. Purpose of sending us out is for us to run to the shepherd.
3. We “run” to the Lord through repenting and obeying.
4. Be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves
English Reading https://youtu.be/tKqWePS4hro
GOD FIRST 
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