Through the Bible: NumbersSample

God Speaks Through Unexpected Sources: Balaam and the Donkey

And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And Balaam said, “No.”

Numbers 22:30 (ESV)

Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.”

Numbers 22:38 (ESV)

God’s guidance comes from those God chooses to speak and act through, such as a donkey or priest-diviner Balaam. Do we still have ears paying attention to those who are very different from us? Or do we prefer to believe what we already know and incline to listen to those from circles of people whom we are comfortable with?

Balaam and the talking donkey story is a good example for us to learn from. Often leaders like to be surrounded by like-minded people to hear what they want to hear. Can we learn to listen to what God might say to us through sources we don’t normally expect?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, turn our ears to Your heartbeat so we may listen attentively. May we not be tickled by what we want to hear but be guided by the Holy Spirit and Your Truth to walk faithfully the path which You set for us. In Your name, Amen.