Promise 29 from Numbers 22:20-22a

Numbers 22:20-22a. - "God came to Balaam at night and said to him, 'If the men have come to call you rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.' So Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey and went with the leaders of Moab. But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as an adversary against him." - Balaam starts out in this story doing all the right things. When Balak's men arrive asking Balaam to go with them so he can curse the Israelites he says, "Let's sleep on it and I'll tell you in the morning what God has to say about it" vs. 8. So God tells him, "Don't go with these guys because the Israelites are blessed people" (vs. 12). So Balaam tells the men, "Sorry, God says I can't go, have a great trip back home" (vs. 13). Then Balaak tries again to persuade Balaam with some higher ranking men and even promises great riches if he goes with his men. Balaam continues to do well and stands his ground and tells the men, "Look, you can promise me the riches of the world, but won't work, cuz I can't go against the words of my God" (vs. 18.). Way to go Balaam! Now, if he would have left things right there and sent the guys off on their journey back home, I think he might have gotten a special mention in Hebrews 11, but.... no. Instead of sticking to what he knows the desire of God is, he decides to see if God might change His mind. Well, lo and behold, God DID change His mind, in his ears anyway. God says, "If the men have come to call you, THEN rise up and go with them." It's no wonder the Lord sent His angel to block Balaam's path and to speak through the mouth of the donkey. The Lord wanted to make it very clear that Balaam was NOT doing what He said. How many times do we do so well in seeking the Lord for His guidance on an issue and even do as He says, but turn off that path because of either pressures from others or our own desires pull us off the path that God clearly directed us to? It's one thing to look to God and hear His voice, its another thing to maintain obedience to it. Balaam was clearly confused. "But... God, you told me I can go.... if you don't want me to go further I'll turn back", he says (vs.34). He wouldn't have had to step into confusion if he would've just stood his ground the first time and insisted to be obedient to God's wishes. So where is the promise in this? God did not let Balaam continue on the wrong path without showing him his wrong. When we do veer off the path for some reason or another, God will show us, He will give us warning signs, and most of all He will talk us through the decision we make. He won't strike us down right away but lovingly give us back the choice to follow Him and His direction once again.