How can we apply humility when facing unexpected obstacles in our spiritual journey? Setting the Scene: An Unexpected Roadblock Numbers 22:29 captures Balaam’s flare-up when his donkey refuses to move: “Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’” Balaam feels embarrassed, blocked, and out of control—common emotions when we meet surprises on our own spiritual path. Identifying the Pride Trap • Balaam’s first instinct is self-protection: “You made a fool of me!” • He threatens force rather than seeking God’s purpose in the delay. • Pride always narrows vision; we fixate on the obstacle instead of the Lord behind it. Choosing Humility Instead • Admit we don’t see the whole picture. The angel in Balaam’s path was invisible to him, but plain to the donkey. • Receive correction—even if it comes from an unlikely source. A donkey today might be a co-worker, a child, or a frustrating schedule change. • Surrender reputation. Balaam feared looking foolish; humility lets God guard our honor (cf. 1 Peter 5:6). Practical Steps to Humility When Roadblocks Appear 1. Pause before reacting. Pray Psalm 139:23: “Search me, O God…” 2. Ask, “Lord, is there an unseen danger or lesson here?” 3. Thank God aloud for the interruption (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude softens pride. 4. Seek counsel. Balaam could have asked Balak’s princes to wait while he prayed again; we can call a mature believer for perspective. 5. Obey the next clear directive, however small. Humility is action, not passivity. Encouraging Scriptural Anchors • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Grace flows where pride is surrendered. • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting, not leaning on our own understanding, straightens the path. • Psalm 119:71 – “It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” Obstacles can become classrooms. • 2 Corinthians 12:9 – Weakness invites Christ’s power. An immovable donkey may usher us into deeper dependence. Living It Out Today Unexpected detours are not detours to God. They are invitations to exchange self-reliance for humble trust, to listen for His redirection, and to watch His faithfulness unfold beyond what our limited sight could imagine. |
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