Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Sometimes its OK to be a Jackass!




Have you ever tried and tried and tried to make something work to no avail?


There are many times when despite our strategizing and multiple attempts, we can not transition out of a situation into a new one.


Instead of becoming hysterical, somber or resigned, try to remember that GOD has a plan for you. Now, let God's plan unfold.


Jeremiah: 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


God knows what HE is doing. Let HIM do it.


Do you remember the story of Balaam? Balaam asked God what do about the Moabites. God instructed him NOT to go with them.


Balaam asked God a second time. God is angry now and says, okay GO.


Balamm then rides his donkey to reach the Moabites. During the journey, the donkey begins to act peculiar. Despite being prodded and beaten by Balaam, the donkey refuses to budge. Balaam is furious. Then all at once the donkey speaks..... It turns out that the donkey saw an angel of God (sword in hand) standing in the roadway. The donkey actually saved Balaam's life.

The lesson: Sometimes it is a good idea to be a donkey and to STOP and WAIT right where you are.


If you are unable to transcend out of your situation, perhaps it is because GOD is blocking your progress.... In this instance, the roadblock is actually a blessing! Curious. And fabulous.


NUMBERS 22: 21-35


21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials. 22 But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.

24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path through the vineyards, with walls on both sides. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again.


26 Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. 28 Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”


29 Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.”


30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”


“No,” he said.


31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.


32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.[a] 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared it.”


34 Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”


35 The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials.