Matt Richards

Numbers 22:32 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why have you struck your donkey these three times? See, I came out to stand against and resist you, for your behavior is willfully obstinate and contrary before Me.
['Obstinate= stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.'
' unreasonably determined especially to act in aparticular way and not to change at all,despite what anyone else says']
You know in this story Balaam was selling out to the enemy and for money going to curse God's people. He was stubborn, wilfully choosing not to change his course of action.
For a prophet, a seer, he couldn't see the danger ahead. (compromise will blind you to danger friend). But his donkey could. Several times his donkey saved his life and stopped Balaam going forward.
Many times we sell out and become obstinate; that's 'unreasonably determined to do our own thing". But you can't curse God's people, it will end in tears, your tears.
Like Jonah we have at times all run from the call of God and instead heeded the voice of the enemy.
I am so thankful at these times for closed doors. For angelic, divine intervention that has stopped me going the wrong direction. I am thankful for the donkeys that have got in my way.
At the time I might have been angry at a promotion at work I didn't get, or a failed relationship, or even ministry opportunities that didn't work out.
But now with eyes wide open, I am so grateful for every divertion away from my obstinate plans of success.
They would have all ended in tears, my tears. The Message says, 'he got way ahead of himself.' I don't ever want to be out of sync or ahead of Jesus.
How about you?
How many things have you avoided, been diverted from because of God's grace and love?
Don't be stubborn, get back on track: Jesus still loves you.
Prayer:
Father forgive me for my stubbornness for being obstinate. Thank You for all the times You have averted me from danger. Thank You for Your mercy. I choose to save myself some pain and get back on track on Jesus' name Amen.
Comments