Nougat 21

Please receive today’s Holy Nougat as we continue to learn about the Spirit of God.

“Balaam replied, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.”” Is Numbers 22:38 NLT

My fascination with this nougat lay in the fact that Balaam was commissioned to CURSE Israel. Yet Balaam was consulting Israel’s God before prophesying. It matters not to me what his national identity was at the time; he HAD to yield to God’s Spirit.

Isn’t that awesome

Just think – regardless of what others are plotting and scheming for our lives; their plans MUST gain God’s approval. And while we may consider counting ALL the negative things that have been directed towards us; let’s also consider the many that were foiled. Our human tendency is to zero in on the negativity and not the positive situations we encounter. By God’s Spirit, we can see differently.

Also, I see the invitation to respond positively and in God’s will when others are trying to tear us down. We don’t have to stoop to the level of our opponents; but we CAN rise to God’s level in adversity. God’s level invites us to Bless those who curse us (Matthew 5). I confess, it is not easy; but again – that’s where God’s Spirit comes in. For it is by God’s Spirit that change will occur.

And furthermore we see God’s Spirit at work using one we would consider tainted or corrupt to effect the greater good. For Balaam prophesied ACCORDING to God’s Spirit. He even warns those who contracted him that it could happen. Despite his greed Balaam KNEW that God’s plan for us is for good and not evil, to give us hope and a future even when we are in the Wilderness! (Some might say Especially when we are in the Wilderness).

We sometimes get overwhelmed by the evil around us – the rapes, murders and violence, the low levels of employment, racism, sexism, etc. But all considered, we are en route the Land of God’s promise, and like the Children of Israeli, we will encounter those who’ve laid claim to the land. Let us not forget Who and Whose we are. And if we do (forget that is), we can find Peace when we focus on God’s Spirit, Who leads us to God’s own Truth. And that should comfort us.

Finally, if we have lost our way, like Balaam did, I pray we realize that God’s Spirit can still be seen/heard in our lives – if we are willing to yield. Moreover, if we are still alive, there’s room for Hope. And God’s Spirit is ready to usher us into the place of Repentance Redemption and Restoration the moment we say the word. What are we waiting for?

—

May all we seek be found in Christ