Ever feel like life is working against you? No matter how hard you try, it seems like the path ahead is blocked, and nothing makes sense. You’re not alone. In fact, there’s a fascinating story in the Bible where someone faced a similar situation, only instead of hitting a dead-end, he was dealing with a donkey that refused to cooperate.
In Numbers 22:21-33, we read about Balaam, a prophet, on a mission that seemed perfectly fine to him. But along the way, something strange happened, his donkey kept veering off course. Frustrated, Balaam lashed out at the poor animal, only to later discover that God was using the donkey to stop him from heading in the wrong direction. Sound familiar?
The Lesson Behind the Donkey’s Stubbornness
Balaam’s story teaches us something important: Sometimes, the obstacles we face are not just random frustrations, they may be God’s way of redirecting us. Balaam was blind to the danger ahead because he was focused on his own desires. But the donkey, seeing what Balaam couldn’t, saved him from disaster.
What can we learn from this? Often, when life doesn’t go as planned, we get frustrated. But instead of beating ourselves up or pushing harder, what if we took a moment to step back and consider: Is this God trying to tell me something?
God’s Guidance Comes in Unexpected Ways
Balaam’s donkey wasn’t what you’d expect as a messenger of God, but that’s the point. God can use anyone or anything to get our attention. Whether it’s a closed door, a failed plan, or an unexpected delay, what looks like an obstacle may be a divine detour.
In Proverbs 16:9, it says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This reminds us that while we may have plans, God ultimately guides our way.
How to Know If It’s God Redirecting You
Here are a few tips to recognize if God is guiding you through the tough spots in life:
- Pray for Clarity – Like Balaam, we sometimes don’t see what’s right in front of us. Ask God to open your eyes and show you if the roadblock is a sign from Him.
- Look for Repeated Patterns – If the same obstacle keeps coming up, it could be more than coincidence. Maybe it’s God nudging you to pause and reevaluate.
- Be Open to Change – Balaam was so focused on his mission that he couldn’t see any other way. Be flexible, and allow God to guide you, even if it means changing course.
Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities
The key to understanding God’s guidance is humility. Balaam had to learn this the hard way, but we don’t have to. By surrendering control and trusting God’s timing, we can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Even when things don’t make sense, God is working behind the scenes for your good. Sometimes that means steering you away from what you think you want to protect you from what you can’t see.
What to Do When Life Feels Like a Donkey That Won’t Budge
Next time you find yourself fighting against life’s obstacles, instead of forcing your way through, pause and pray. Reflect on whether God might be using this situation to guide you in a different direction. Trust that He sees what you don’t, and has your best interests at heart.
Just like Balaam needed his eyes opened to the angel in his path, we need God’s help to see His purpose in the delays, detours, and difficulties we face. So, when life feels like a stubborn donkey, remember: God may be leading you to something better.
Final Thoughts
The story of Balaam and his donkey isn’t just a quirky Bible story, it’s a reminder that God’s guidance is always available, even if it comes in unexpected ways. The next time life throws you off course, take a moment to ask if it’s God steering you toward a better path.
Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and mercy toward us when we stray from Your path. Open our eyes, Lord, to see Your will clearly, and help us to humbly submit to Your guidance. Remove any selfish ambition from our hearts and give us the wisdom to discern Your direction. Teach us to be receptive to Your voice, no matter how You choose to speak to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen
