In what ways can we apply Balaam's example of waiting to our decisions? The Scene at Balaam’s Doorstep “Spend the night here,” Balaam said to them, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. (Numbers 22:8) What Balaam Got Right in This Moment •He refused to answer immediately, even under royal pressure. •He acknowledged that only the LORD’s word could direct his response. •He created space—an entire night—to listen. •He demonstrated that God’s guidance outranks human urgency. Biblical Patterns of God-Honoring Waiting •Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD.” •Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength…” •Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting and acknowledging Him “in all your ways” precedes straight paths. •James 1:5 – Wisdom is promised to those who ask and do not doubt. •Lamentations 3:25 – “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Applying Balaam’s Pause to Our Decisions 1.Schedule deliberate pauses before major commitments. •Even a single night allows emotions to settle and God’s voice to rise above noise. 2.Seek explicit direction in prayer and Scripture. •Open your Bible during the pause; let the Word shape the answer. 3.Refuse to be rushed by external pressure. •If kings could wait on Balaam, bosses, friends, and deadlines can wait on you when God’s will is at stake. 4.Recognize that “No” is sometimes the faithful outcome of waiting. •God initially told Balaam not to go (22:12). Respecting that boundary would have spared him later judgment. 5.Confirm motives. •Ask: Am I delaying to hear God—or stalling to craft a loophole? Balaam’s later compromises warn against self-serving delays. Red Flags from Balaam’s Later Choices •Repeated requests for a different answer (22:18-19) show how lingering greed can corrupt waiting. •Numbers 31:16 reveals his counsel led Israel into sin; good waiting must culminate in full obedience. •Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Waiting that ends in disobedience is rebellion, not wisdom. Daily Habits That Foster a Holy Pause •Morning and evening prayer slots—bookends that slow reactions. •A “twenty-four-hour rule” on large purchases or commitments. •Journaling impressions from Scripture before replying to offers or invitations. •Accountability—share decisions with a mature believer who will ask, “Did you wait on the Lord?” •Fast periodically; bodily hunger reminds the soul to seek God first. By building these rhythms, we mirror Balaam’s initial night of listening—yet, unlike Balaam, we press on to wholehearted, swift obedience the moment God’s answer is clear. |
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