How can we remain open to God's guidance in unexpected ways today? A talking donkey and a startled prophet “Then the donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?’ ‘No,’ he answered.” (Numbers 22:30) Timeless principles from a surprising story • God may break into our routines through the least expected means—here, a beast of burden. • His Word is always true; yet His methods can be creatively varied. • Pride deafens; humility hears. Balaam’s anger blinded him until the donkey’s words cut through. • Every extraordinary moment must align with the unchanging Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). Echoes throughout Scripture • 1 Kings 19:11-13 — Elijah meets God in a “gentle whisper.” • Acts 8:26-29 — Philip obeys an angelic message, then a Spirit nudge, and meets the Ethiopian official. • Hebrews 13:2 — “Some have entertained angels without knowing it.” • John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Cultivating a listening heart today • Daily Scripture saturation: the clearer we know His voice on the page, the easier to recognize it off the page. • Prayerful expectancy: ask, then wait in stillness (Psalm 5:3). • Sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings—those inner checks or urges that harmonize with the Bible (Galatians 5:25). • Teachable attitude: “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Wise counsel: invite mature believers to confirm or caution (Proverbs 15:22). Recognizing unlikely messengers God may steer us through: • A child’s innocent comment (Psalm 8:2). • A non-Christian co-worker highlighting an area of integrity. • A seemingly closed door redirecting plans (Acts 16:6-10). • A sermon line, song lyric, or headline that won’t leave the mind. • Physical limitations or delays—Balaam’s crushed foot became his wake-up call. Guardrails for discernment • Consistency with Scripture—never contradicts God’s revealed Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Produces holiness, not compromise (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Confirmed by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Affirmed by trusted believers who walk closely with God. • Leads to reliance on Christ, not on self-exaltation (John 15:5). Encouragement to step forward Stay alert: the next “donkey” moment may come when least expected. Keep Scripture open, heart humble, and steps obedient; God still delights to guide His people in wonderfully surprising ways. |
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