Get Out of the Way

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Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” – Numbers 22:28

How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror and sayed, “I can’t do this?” or “God can’t use me because of __________” or “I’m too _______ to serve God, there are plenty of others who can do it.”  You fill in the blank.  It is our nature to look for excuses as to why we can’t serve God.  This is inherent in all of us, because we look at our history and our shortcomings in life.  God looks at our potential and the reason you were created in the first place.  There are no limitations to what He can do through each of you, but we must first put our own preconceived ideals away, in order to pick up His.

One of the most wonderful stories in scriptures is the story of Balaam’s donkey.  Balaam was summoned by Balak to come and put a curse on the Israelites so Balak could defeat them in battle.  Balaam was known in the region to have prophetic powers and sought the will of the Lord before accepting Balak’s request.  Eventually Balaam comes away from counseling with the Lord and accepts their request to meet with Balak.  On his journey an angel appears before him with a sword, but was only visible to the donkey.  Balaam’s donkey reacts in a protective manner to keep his master safe.  Balaam beats the donkey, not knowing the situation with the angel.  This happens three separate times, and then the Lord opens the donkey’s mouth to speak.  At this point the angel becomes visible to Balaam as well, and he comes to realize the donkey was actually saving his life.

What is the message of this story? 
Why would Moses have include this story in his writings as led by God the Creator?

The essence of the story is so that we all might realize that God can use anyone or anything He chooses for any purpose He chooses.  God used a donkey to get the attention of Balaam.  He used a Rahab, a harlot to save the life of two Israeli spies sent by Joshua to observe the land of Jericho.  He used a tax collector, a fishermen and a shepherd boy to change the course of history.  He used a young woman to bear the Savior of the world, and provide salvation for all mankind.   

What can He do with your life if you truly wanted Him to use you?
Do you realize that you are the only one standing in the way of God doing something amazing in your life?  You should not be waiting for Him to reveal His plan to you.  No, you should be eliminating the confusion from your own life to truly see what He can do with you.  Think on that for today.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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