What can we learn from Balak's fear about trusting God in difficult times? Setting the Scene: A King Gripped by Fear “Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.” (Numbers 22:2) • Balak witnessed Israel’s God-given victories and panicked. • Instead of considering that the Lord might be extending blessing, he assumed personal ruin was coming. • Fear drove him to human scheming—hiring Balaam to curse what God had blessed. Balak’s Reaction versus a Heart of Trust • Balak looked at circumstances; faith looks at God (2 Corinthians 5:7). • He relied on manipulation; trust relies on obedience (Psalm 37:5). • He tried to control outcomes; faith rests in God’s sovereignty (Isaiah 46:9-10). Lessons for Our Own Rough Waters 1. Fear distorts reality – Balak ignored that God’s promise to Abraham was to bless nations through Israel (Genesis 12:3). – Our anxieties can blind us to God’s bigger redemptive plan. 2. Fear seeks shortcuts – Hiring a prophet for a curse is a shortcut to security. – We often reach for quick fixes instead of waiting on the Lord (Psalm 27:14). 3. Fear forgets covenant faithfulness – Balak had no covenant with the living God; believers do (Hebrews 8:10). – Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels present trust. 4. Fear invites bondage – “The fear of man lays a snare” (Proverbs 29:25). – Trust frees us: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Strengthened by Related Scriptures • Psalm 56:3-4—When afraid, put trust in God. • Isaiah 26:3—Perfect peace comes from steadfast minds. • Philippians 4:6-7—Prayer and thanksgiving displace anxiety with peace. • 1 Peter 5:7—Cast all cares because He cares. Putting Courage into Practice Today • Recall specific times God delivered you—write them down. • Replace “what-if” thoughts with God’s promises—speak them aloud. • Choose obedience in the face of uncertainty—small steps reveal big faith. • Encourage others battling fear; shared testimony strengthens the whole body (Revelation 12:11). Balak’s fear shows the poverty of trusting anything other than the Lord. Our difficult times become arenas for faith to declare, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). |
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