In what ways can we be more attentive to God's messages in our lives? The Remarkable Moment in Numbers 22:28 Numbers 22:28 — “Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?’ ” God literally used a donkey to break through Balaam’s spiritual dullness, proving He can speak by any means when His people stop listening. Lessons on Attentiveness from Balaam’s Missed Cues • Balaam ignored earlier warnings—the angel in the road was God’s first “wake-up call.” • Fixation on reward (2 Peter 2:15) clouded his discernment. • The donkey perceived heaven’s messenger before the prophet did, reminding us that stubborn self-interest numbs spiritual senses. • God resorted to the extraordinary because Balaam neglected the ordinary. Practical Ways to Tune Our Hearts Today 1. Immerse the mind in Scripture – Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17. – Daily reading trains the ear to recognize God’s voice. 2. Practice listening prayer – Build silent moments into prayer time, expecting God to impress truth on the heart. 3. Obey promptly – John 14:21. – Sensitivity increases when we act on what we already know. 4. Stay alert to providential circumstances – Acts 16:6-10. – Closed doors or repeated obstacles may redirect us as clearly as Balaam’s blocked pathway. 5. Seek counsel from faithful believers – God often confirms His guidance through the body of Christ. 6. Guard against competing motives – Luke 12:15; James 4:3. – A surrendered will keeps spiritual receptors clear. Guardrails for Discernment • Test every impression against Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • Reject any “message” contradicting God’s revealed character (Galatians 1:8). • Keep fellowship and accountability strong (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confess sin quickly to maintain clarity (1 John 1:9). Encouragement to Live Alert John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” When His Word saturates our minds and obedience shapes our habits, we hear the Shepherd’s voice in timely whispers—long before a talking donkey needs to interrupt our path. |
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