Numbers 22:34 “…I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me…” (NIV)*
English: Path in the woods (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The angel of the Lord stood in the road, but only the donkey saw Him. The donkey veered off path, pressed against the wall and lay down under Balaam to avoid the angel. The donkey saved Balaam’s life by dodging the angel’s drawn sword. Each time Balaam beat her. He was stubborn as a…donkey.
Unaware something divine was happening, Balaam insisted the donkey keep going. What if he stopped and considered the delays? Trusted the donkey’s instincts?
When the donkey stalls, it could be divine intervention. The donkey’s actions were not her habit. The out-of-the-ordinary could have been a clue. The acceptance letter doesn’t come, the car breaks down, counsel leans the other way…..could all mean no. A road block could be the very thing that saves your life.
There may be a reason things aren’t going our way and we just don’t see it. Stop “beating the donkey” and look around. The Lord may be standing in the path.
Maybe not, could just be life. But step back and ask…Is this you, Lord? Are you trying to tell me something? And pray He opens your eyes.
Numbers 22:31 “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.” (NIV)*
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Read the full account of Balaam in Numbers 22-24. Though confusing, there are lessons to glean from this story.
*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.
Beside Quiet Waters 
March 16th, 2013 at 5:01 pm
That is such a wonderful picture for me today… It reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 … and that we should give thanks in all circumstances … we just don’t know … do we? Thanks for reminding us that He can be trusted … all the time!
March 16th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Thanks, Heidi. It was a good reminder for me, too. Love this unique story…glad to hear it resonated!
March 16th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
A smart post, Patty! I pray to have my eyes opened, too!
More Grace,
Donna
March 16th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
Thank you so much! Appreciate your dropping by and the comment…God is good.
March 17th, 2013 at 2:30 am
May the Lord give us discernment to know and recognise Him even in the ‘donkey’. Thanks Patty!
March 18th, 2013 at 8:43 am
Yes…God can work however He wants…I want to be clued in enough to see Him when He’s trying to tell me something! Blessings on your day!
March 17th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
I’ve always loved the way God can use even a donkey if He wants to deliver a message to us. Thank you, Patty, for reminding us to keep our eyes and ears open.
Blessings ~ Wendy
March 18th, 2013 at 8:46 am
And thanks to you for dropping by and sharing:) God is good. Appreciate you!