When You Feel Like Sheep Among Wolves
There are moments when the world around us can feel overwhelming — frightening headlines, difficult circumstances, unexpected diagnoses, and situations that challenge our faith. In this message, Pastor JoAnne Ramsay reminds us that even when we feel surrounded by uncertainty, God has not left us unprotected. We are called to walk in faith, knowing who we are and who we belong to.
Sent Out With Confidence
Jesus told His followers that He was sending them out “as sheep among wolves.” While that may sound like a frightening picture, Pastor Jo shows us that it is actually a reminder of where our confidence comes from. We do not face the world alone. We belong to God, and He is with us.
Psalm 100:3 reminds us that we are His people. We are also ambassadors of another Kingdom, representing the position of heaven wherever we go.
More Than Conquerors
Our circumstances do not determine our identity or our victory. Romans 8:37 reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.
Yet it can be easy to focus on what we can see — our circumstances, the world around us, or even a troubling report — instead of remembering what God has already said. Pastor Jo encourages us to shift our focus from the seen to the unseen and trust God’s promises.
The Power of Your Words
What we say matters. Our words can become a reflection of what we believe and what we are choosing to focus on.
> When a bad report comes, we have a choice about what we will allow to come out of our mouths.
Pastor Jo teaches us to guard our words and not allow fear, worry, or the enemy to control what we speak. Instead, we can choose to speak God’s Word and stand on His promises.
Overcoming Fear Through Faith
The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-5 gives us a powerful picture of faith in action. The lepers faced a life-or-death situation, yet they chose to move forward rather than remain where they were.
When they reached the enemy’s camp, they discovered that God had already gone before them. The enemy had fled, leaving everything behind.
The important lesson is that the lepers did not have to wait until they felt completely fearless before taking a step.
> They overcame in spite of fear.
Victory does not always mean that fear disappears. Sometimes victory means refusing to let fear make the final decision.
God Has Not Given You a Spirit of Fear
Scripture reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Pastor Jo encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit as our Teacher and Helper. When worry, doubt, or fear tries to take control, we can stand in the authority God has given us and choose to trust Him.
Luke 10:19 reminds us of the authority we have been given. Fear does not have to rule our minds, our words, or our decisions.
The Battlefield Is in the Mind
The battle often begins in our thoughts. When fear and worry fill our minds, they can influence what we say and how we respond to the situations around us.
Pastor Jo shares from her own experience of receiving a difficult doctor’s report and choosing to place the situation in God’s hands. She reminds us that faith means trusting God even when we cannot see how the situation will work out.
Before teaching, she also describes spending time with the Lord and speaking Scripture over herself, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen her.
Remember Who You Are
You are not powerless in the middle of a difficult situation. You are a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and God has given you authority to walk in faith.
Whatever you may be facing today, don’t allow fear to have the final word. Remember who you are, remember whose Kingdom you represent, and remember what God has already said.
Conclusion
If you have been feeling like a sheep surrounded by wolves, let this message remind you that you were never sent out unprotected. God is with you, His Word is true, and His Spirit is your Helper.
Take time this week to meditate on God’s promises. Speak His Word over your situation, guard your thoughts and words, and choose to take the next step of faith — even if you are still afraid.
You can overcome in spite of fear because your confidence is not in yourself. Your confidence is in God.
