What can we learn about seeking God's will before making decisions from Numbers 22:6? Setting the Scene Balak, king of Moab, sees Israel encamped nearby and panics. Instead of seeking the Lord, he hires Balaam, a diviner known for effective blessings and curses, hoping a spell will solve his political problem. Observations from Numbers 22:6 “Now please come and curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” • Balak is convinced of Balaam’s spiritual influence yet never pauses to ask what God thinks. • His decision is rooted in fear, expediency, and self-interest. • He treats spiritual power as a tool to manipulate outcomes rather than a relationship to be honored. What Seeking God’s Will Should Look Like • Start with worship, not worry—acknowledge God’s sovereignty before weighing options (Psalm 46:10). • Move toward prayer, not manipulation—invite God’s direction instead of trying to engineer results (Philippians 4:6-7). • Consult Scripture, not superstition—let clear revelation shape choices (Psalm 119:105). • Wait for confirmation, not convenience—trust His timing over quick fixes (Isaiah 40:31). Warnings from Balak’s Approach • Fear distorts perspective; he calls a blessed nation “too mighty,” forgetting God rules nations (Job 12:23). • Using spiritual means without spiritual submission leads to opposition from God, not help (Numbers 22:32-34). • Rushing ahead invites wasted resources and greater turmoil—Balak sends multiple delegations and piles on rewards yet gains nothing (Numbers 22:15-17; 24:10-11). Lessons from Balaam’s Initial Response • He does ask God (22:8-12), showing the right first step—but his heart is divided, evidenced by eagerness for Moab’s payment (2 Peter 2:15). • Mixed motives muddy discernment; repeated petitions for a different answer reveal reluctance to submit (22:18-19). • God may grant permission but still oppose the plan when our attitude is wrong (22:20-22). Principles for Us Today 1. Recognize: every decision—big or small—has spiritual depth; we either align with God or oppose Him. 2. Resist fear-driven shortcuts; faith waits to hear from the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). 3. Check motives: Why am I praying? Am I seeking God’s glory or personal gain (James 4:3)? 4. Pay attention to early checks in the spirit. Balaam had a clear “no” the first night; ignoring it led to near disaster (22:22-34). 5. Remember that God blesses whom He blesses; no human scheme can reverse His decree (Numbers 23:8, 20). 6. Embrace obedience over opportunity; sometimes the most attractive offers are traps (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Confirming Scriptures • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 32:8—“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given.” • Isaiah 30:21—“This is the way; walk in it.” • Colossians 1:9—Paul prays believers be “filled with the knowledge of His will.” Balak ignored these timeless truths and reaped frustration; we can heed them and walk in confident, peaceful obedience. |
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