How can we ensure our desires align with God's will, unlike Balaam's? Setting the Scene Numbers 22:29: “Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’ ” Balaam was a prophet who wanted God’s words but Moab’s reward. The donkey saw an angel; Balaam’s desires kept him blind. What Went Wrong for Balaam • Craved honor and money more than obedience (22:17). • Ignored God’s clear “No” and kept asking (22:12, 19). • Mistook God’s permissive “Go” for approval (22:20). • Let wounded pride explode in violence (22:29). Five Practices for Aligning Desires with God’s Will 1. Yield First Romans 12:1-2 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… so you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” 2. Test by Scripture Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” If the Word forbids it, the debate is over. 3. Walk by the Spirit Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Conviction or repeated roadblocks signal a course correction. 4. Seek Godly Counsel Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Surround yourself with people who care more about your soul than your agenda. 5. Treasure Christ Over Gain Philippians 3:8 – “I count everything as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” When He is enough, bribes lose power. Practical Daily Checkpoints • Ask God to search your motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Write your current desires; beside each, note supporting or correcting verses. • Treat providential hindrances—unexpected delays, wise friends, inner unrest—as possible “donkey” moments; pause and pray. • Fast from inputs that feed selfish ambition. • Celebrate small steps of obedience; they train the heart for larger ones. Promises to Anchor Our Hearts • Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” • 1 John 2:17 – “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Balaam’s story proves that unchecked desire can silence discernment. By surrendering, testing, walking by the Spirit, seeking counsel, and valuing Christ above all, we keep our hearts aligned with God’s will and avoid Balaam’s costly detour. |
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