Allow Obstacles to Build Your Faith - Part 3

Have you ever approached a crossroads where you knew the decision you would make was out of compliance with God's will and your conscience? Also that dire consequences hung in the balance for yourself and others? Balaam, an Old Testament sorcerer, would cast curses on people for a price. Amazingly, he actually had begun his work as a true prophet of God.

At a transitional crossroads he became a minister for evil. Numbers 22 identifies Balaam being hired to cast a curse on the Hebrew people, who were on their way to the Promised Land. If successful, he could name his own price for his evil deed. God, however, commanded Balaam to abstain from his evil exploits.

The con man within Balaam tried to balance God’s command with own his greed and desire for wealth. He found justification for choosing financial security. He let ambition overrule the admonition to love God with all his heart so God could provide eternal security. The best choice is to always honor and obey God's commands.   

Allow Obstacles to Build Your Faith - Part 2

Numbers 22 presents the story of Balaam and his donkey. It conveys a godly lesson for us. Balaam believed God was the only true God but used his God-given skills to satisfy his monetary greed. The king of Moab persuaded him to put a curse on the Hebrew people and, if successful, he’d be rich.

Balaam became so blinded by temptation, he could not understand that the obstructions God placed before him were designed for his good. For monetary security and short-lived glory, he was willing to disregard God's will. To what extent is God willing to go, to prevent you from doing something destructive to yourself and others?

Balaam's donkey tried to stop him. She turned off the road onto a field, lay down on the ground and ran into a wall, crushing his foot. Balaam continued beating his donkey, even as the angel of God blocked her way. This clearly demonstrates God’s attempt to reach us as well as our determination to resist God’s love and protection.  

Allow Obstacles to Build Your Faith - Part 1

Frustrating obstacles often clog the pathway to our hopes and dreams. We have no choice in whether obstructions turn up, but we do have choices in how they are managed. Obstacles could be perceived as faith-builders, even as encouragers. A humorous example is found in Numbers 22. Balaam, a mercenary prophet, is saved from annihilation by his donkey.

The king of Moab feared the Hebrew people, who needed to pass through

his country on their way to the promised land. He recruited Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. This action displeased God, so obstructions were created to prevent Balaam from carrying out the king's plan.

While on his way to place the curse, Balaam's donkey saw an angel of God standing in the road with a drawn sword. The donkey could see what Balaam could not. Finally, Balaam understood the obstruction and confessed his sin. Accepting God’s obstructions as faith-builders is a choice, but it illustrates God's determination to save you. For this, you should thank God.