A Donkey’s Path
“I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way” -(Numbers 22:34).
When I read those words, it was like seeing my life in the text. The many times I had attempted to go about my own way of handling circumstances, approaching conversations and determining the outcomes, only to be met with a dead end and fruitless efforts. I can empathize with the biblical figure of this text, Balaam, who was trying to go about his business only to be met with the uncooperative external factors that puts a damper and delay in my plans; and I am sure you can too. How many times did you plan something out all the way to the finest detail, only for them to crumble leading to a cleanup that was not anticipated? Or how many times did you have great expectations of a situation or conversation, only to be met with less than desirable outcomes that led to more questions than answers? More and more, I am learning two essential biblical principles:
Apart from Jesus we can truly accomplish nothing of kingdom of heaven worthy (John 15:5) and
When we attempt to do anything without God’s counsel or approval, He will not be with us in the sense of He will not bless our efforts (Numbers 14: 41-43)
Now, we may not be granted a miracle of a talking donkey to be the voice of reason for our lack of progress like Balaam was, but we do have the Holy Spirit who will serve the same purpose. The Holy Spirit will not only be the one to steer in the way that we should go but will also open our eyes to the truth of who is responsible for our unsuccessful attempts. Similar to Balaam, when things don’t go our way, we are quick to point fingers and blame everyone and everything that we see and believe is the cause of our failure. That poor donkey in this story, took a beating that when the Spirt of God gave it permission to talk, the first words it said was, “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” (Numbers 22: 28). Likewise, we lose our temper, get angry and start physically or verbally abusing that or who we believe are to blame, but this is with closed eyes. Just tonight, I fought with a blue tarp that got tangled in the wheel of my bike (don’t even ask how did that happen) and started calling it everything but a blue tarp. Once Balaam’s eyes were opened, he realized who was truly responsible for his delay, an angel of the Lord.
When will we learn that God is sovereign and there isn’t anything or anyone He can’t manipulate for the fulfilment of His will? He can change hearts, he can move mountains, he can split seas, he can do anything he wants for the sake of his purpose which includes how he chooses to manifest in our lives and interfere with our plans. When we will stop looking with our physical eyes and allow our spiritual eyes to remain open to see that closed doors, blocked paths and delays are redirections. Redirections for us to turn back to him and away from our own will, trying to do things of our own strength.
“I will return home if you are against my going.” (Numbers 22:34c)
Surely it is by his grace, lovingkindness and mercy that he set up these roadblocks in our lives, so that we may remain on his path and protected from unnecessary harm and disappointments. I find it fascinating that we say with our lips that Jesus is Lord over our lives and yet want to throw a tantrum when he actually shows up that way and tell us, “No” to something. With eyes open and knowing this is Him moving pieces and stopping others, will you resist or will you surrender to his lordship and governance? I want to encourage you to reflect on what areas in your life you are currently trying to go about without permission and admission from the Lord. Which areas have you set out on with your own compass, only to find yourself going in circles and just tired? Or maybe you are like my co-worker and countless others who goes above and beyond for their clients, family members and friends, but are met with resistance and lack of investment in their own lives warranting your efforts, vain. Stop beating the donkey and let your eyes be open to see who is really determining the way in which you should go (Proverbs 16:9).
