Does It Take A Donkey To Get Your Attention?

 How many times have you said or done something, and right away Holy Spirit stirred in your heart?  Sometimes the conviction is so strong – you shake your head to yourself – wondering why it took something like this to get your attention.

God’s way of calling us and getting our attention is as varied as we are!  Sometimes I need a 2x4 or a billboard to get the message.  Other times it is an immediate pricking of the conscience and a quiet voice within.

God has spoken to many men and women in the Bible.  Here are three of my favorites:

Balak, King of Moab didn’t like the fact that the children of Israel were encroaching on his territory and settling near his people.  He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor to pronounce a curse on them for money [a diviner’s fee] to defeat them, and to drive them out of his country. However, God spoke to him and said, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” The Lord forbade him to go with them, but later tested Balaam as he went with the princes of Moab.  Numbers 22:22 tells us God’s anger was aroused, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand as an adversary against him.  The Angel had a drawn sword, but Balaam didn’t see Him.  

However, the donkey he rode did see Him, and refused to continue down the road. Three separate times the Angel caused the animal to divert from his path: once onto the grass, then against a stone wall, and finally bottle-necked in a narrow place.  Each time the animal disobeyed, Balaam struck him with his staff.  The donkey finally lay down, receiving another blow from her master.  That’s when God got Balaam’s attention.  He opened the donkey’s mouth and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 

 Balaam foolishly replied that he wished he had a sword in order to kill her for her disobedience. Then the donkey reminded him that she had never done anything like that before, and had been an exceptional animal of burden for him since she became his.  Then the Angel of the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw Him standing with His sword drawn, and fell on his face.  The Angel of the Lord told him that his way was contrary to what God wanted, and that His people were to be blessed, not cursed.  Balaam thought he was doing God’s will, but it took a donkey to “open his eyes” to his folly.  He told Balak in verse 38, “The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” (Numbers 22).

Elijah found a cave at Mt. Horeb to escape life’s problems after Jezebel threatened to kill him. God told him to stand on the mountain before Him.  Elijah discovered that God was not in the whirlwind, or the earthquake, or the fire – but in a still small voice.  There he was told to anoint the next King of Israel - Jehu, and a new successor prophet by the name of Elisha.  God hadn’t spoken to him in the manner he thought God should speak.  He was awaiting a Mighty roar, a Holy holler, perhaps an earth-shaking shout.  But God came to him quietly, in a moment of calm – in the cleft of the rock of Mt. Horeb.  God Himself whispered to His weary prophet in a delicate voice – encouraging him in a moment of frailty – preparing him for the days ahead.  (I Kings 19).

Samuel was a small child when he left his mother’s arms to live with Eli the priest in the tabernacle of the Lord at Shiloh. He ministered before the Lord even as a young child.  There had been a silence in Israel, and God had not spoken for quite some time through the prophets and seers.  The Lord was grieved by the wickedness and sin that surrounded His people. 

As Samuel was lying down to sleep, God called him three separate times – and each time the boy thought Eli had called.  The last time Eli perceived that the Lord had called him, and instructed Samuel to lie down again and wait for God to call him once more.  I Samuel 3:10 says that the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”  This tender child was intently listening for his Heavenly Father’s call.  (I Samuel 1-3).

When we are desperate to hear a Word from God, He will meet us where we are.  He will often speak to us through someone, through His Word, and through Holy Spirit’s promptings.  Make yourself ready for His message by stilling your soul and spirit often, and in earnest.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.godmissionpossible.com/

Does It Take A Donkey To Get Your Attention?