Day 65

This is one of my favorite stories in all the Bible. Balak, king of Moab, was afraid of the Israelites so he summoned Balaam to curse Israel. "...For [he] knew that he whom [Balaam] blesses is blessed, and he whom [Balaam] curses is cursed." (chapter 22 verse 6)

When the summons came, Balaam consulted the Lord for guidance on whether he should go or stay, curse or bless.

I find this so interesting because Balak, the king of Moab, knows that when Balaam blesses or curses, it is fulfilled. It is also interesting that Balaam is a God fearing man in Moab and his faith is how he blesses and curses. It is only through the Lord that Balaam's words are fulfilled.

I also love the story of how, on the way to see the king, Balaam's donkey sees the Lord's angel ready to kill Balaam and saves him three times. Balaam does not understand why the donkey is disobeying and beats him three times. "Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey..." (verse28) and the donkey spoke to Balaam! Ahh! Talking donkeys! Once the donkey was finished speaking, the Lord revealed the angel to Balaam and he understood.

I wonder how many times this happens in my life. For example, when I get behind someone going 10 mph under the speed limit I get frustrated. But what if going slower for a while saves me from a dangerous or deadly situation farther ahead?

Thank you Lord for the rough and frustrating times, in order to protect and take care of me!