How can we discern God's will to avoid Balaam's mistake? The Critical Moment on the Road “But God’s anger burned because he was going, and the Angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him.” — Numbers 22:22 The Heart Behind Balaam’s Error • Balaam had already heard God’s clear word: “You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). • The lure of reward (22:17) tugged him toward compromise, revealing a divided heart (Matthew 6:24). • He pressed God for a different answer until he received permission that was permissive, not approving—then assumed God had changed His mind. Timeless Markers for Discerning God’s Will 1. The written Word never changes • “Your word, LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). • 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms Scripture’s sufficiency for “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” 2. The Holy Spirit confirms, never contradicts • John 16:13—He guides into all truth, not beyond it. • 1 Corinthians 2:14—Only by the Spirit can we grasp spiritual matters. 3. God’s will aligns with His character • James 1:17—No shifting shadows. His moral nature is consistent. • Galatians 5:22-23—Fruit of the Spirit accompanies His leading. 4. Humble motives matter • “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Proverbs 16:2). • Balaam’s greed was unmasked by the Angel (Numbers 22:32-35). Practical Steps to Stay on Course • Submit first, ask second – Begin with “Yes, Lord,” before requesting details (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Compare every impression with Scripture – If it violates a command, it is not from God (Isaiah 8:20). • Seek wisdom prayerfully – James 1:5 promises clarity to the single-minded seeker. • Invite godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Watch for providential barriers – Like Balaam’s donkey, roadblocks can be mercy, not mere inconvenience. • Evaluate your appetite for gain – 1 Timothy 6:10 warns how love of money distorts hearing. Encouragement for Everyday Choices Staying sensitive to God’s voice is less about mystical signals and more about steady obedience to what He has already said. When the next crossroad comes, remember Balaam: the safest place is immediate, wholehearted submission to the unchanging Word. |
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