God Can Even Use a Donkey!

Numbers 22:1-35

The Israelites are on the border of the promised land, but no doubt the surrounding nations have heard of all that had happened to them. Now they were so close, the other nations could see this enormous people group moving toward them. And they were afraid! Balak, the king of Moab, decided to take matters spiritually. Unfortunately, he went to the wrong source. Instead of consulting God, he consulted the sorcerer, Balaam.

Balaam may come across to you as a true believer in God. There are many that feel that he was and just made some mistakes along the way. However, based on other scriptures such as 2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11, and Revelation 2:14, I do not believe that he was. However, God used him. This may seem puzzeling to us, but God can use anyone He desires to speak to us. He can use unbelievers to encourage us or to discipline us.

Balaam seeks God's approval in going with the messengers sent from Moab and God says no. Then the messengers come back and Balaam asks God again. God will not be manipulated. Have you ever continued to ask God for something over and over that He has shown you is NOT for you?

God allows Balaam to go, but He did not want him to. Therefore, God sends an angel of the Lord to block his path. The interesting thing in this story is that the "seer" did not see, but the donkey did!! Balaam, although regarded as a spiritual man, did not have spiritual eyes. The donkey tried to help him, but he just beat the donkey, forcing his way through.

Is there something in your life that God is trying to stop you from doing but you just keep forcing your way through? Ask God to show you if He is Sovereignly trying to stop you from making a mistake. Listen to His voice and be aware of the voices around you - including the donkey!