Part 3 of the Series: A Confident Walk in Christ

Numbers 22:12

New International Version

But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”

For Encouragement

As Israel settled on the plains of Moab, which would become their launching pad for their Canaan campaign, the heat turned up on Balak. He should have been anxious about nothing because Israel had no intention of taking their land, but isn’t it human to panic at what we see by how we interpret it? So, the emissary from Balak came to summon Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. It can’t get more interesting than now.

The wayward prophet, enticed by the promise of wealth, found his heart secretly rejoicing at the prospect before him. However, in His infinite mercy, God intervened to caution Balaam against cursing His blessed people, so he sent the messengers back. Balak, undeterred, dispatched a more prominent delegation with the promise of a higher reward. This time, God allowed Balaam to go with the delegation, but only to speak what He instructed (Numbers 22:15-20).

A greedy heart will always conceive a secret agenda for money. They foolishly think God will never know. But how could the Omniscient God never know Balaam’s love for the wages of wickedness (2 Peter 2:15) and his secret plan to profit from the transaction? His heart stood bare before Him to whom we must give an account (Hebrews 4:13).

Unbeknownst to the Israelites, the enemy was working tirelessly to eradicate them. Yet, God, in His unwavering love, shielded them. He prevented Balaam from cursing the Israelites by any means necessary. Remarkably, He used a donkey — a creature without speech—to halt Balaam’s madness with a human voice (Numbers 22:26-31; 2 Peter 2:16). When God opened Balaam’s eyes to the Angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword, he fell on his face and confessed his sin (31-34).

Go with the men, but say only what I tell you, the Angel said.

Do you see how far God went to protect the Israelites from Balaam’s curse? They knew nothing about what was going on. How about He dealt with Job, who was unaware of the cosmic war for his soul (Job 1-2). Do you remember the chariots of fire that surrounded Elisha and protected him from the Aramean king? (2 Kings 6:15-17). Why would He not do much more for you, the redeemed by the blood of His dearest Son?

God has your back in a way you cannot imagine. Did you notice He did not give us any protective piece for our back in His armor? He protects us from our backs for complete coverage. Why then do you fear a curse, O, child of God?

So, take a confident walk with Christ daily, and experience the Holy Spirit’s power working in you. Amen!