Numbers 22:30-31
30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” “No,” he said. 31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.
Sometimes God has to get in the way to show us the way. That relationship you were convinced was “right”, that job opportunity you wanted so badly, that ministry dream that you knew was from God—now you look back with perspective and a sigh-of-relief on all the prayers He didn’t answer. Sometimes God has to send a talking donkey in our path to turn us around and get us going the right direction. It’s that courageous friend who refused to let you make that terrible decision. It’s that persistent parent who kept praying and pointing you to Jesus. It’s that scare you had with your health. It’s that accident that shook you to the core of your being. If you walk with God long enough, you’ll eventually encounter the “talking donkey” because God loves us enough to get in the way when we’re going the wrong way. It’s one way that God closes a door to guide us to the opening of a different door. And I love it in Numbers 22 that it’s the donkey who is the voice of reason! Be careful who you stiff-arm, ignore, or write-off because that just might be the wisdom of God.
Heavenly Father, I confess my stubbornness to You. I confess how fixated I become on my way being the right way. Forgive me O Lord. Have mercy on me. Thank You for all the people You’ve placed in my life to help me, to counsel me, to guide me. Thank You for the courage of true friends who speak the truth to me—when it’s comfortable and when it’s not. Grant me a humble and teachable spirit. Open my eyes to see all the ways You are guiding my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.