28 October Numbers 22

God protects His people

Numbers 22:9-12 (AMP) “God came to Balaam, and said, “Who are these men with you?” Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent word to me: ‘Hear this, the people who came out of Egypt cover the surface of the land; come now, curse them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them out.’ ”God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people [of Israel], for they are blessed.”

I was struck by the lengths God will go to protect His people when reading this passage. God instructed Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” It does not matter what you want to do; even if you want to curse these people, they are blessed. When God wants to announce great themes, influence multitudes, change lives, and shape destinies, he will use whoever and whatever he wishes—a pagan king, a greedy soothsayer, even a voiceless donkey. This compelling narrative is not about what humans plan but what God achieves. In the unfolding of his will, he can use anything or anybody to achieve his righteous ends.

J. Ligon Duncan writes: “God can use a donkey if He wants to. God can use a donkey to prophesy if He wishes. The truth of God’s word is not dependent upon our esteem of the messenger. God will sometimes use messengers to bring a message whose persons or character seem incongruent with the message and the majesty of God”.

It is incredible what God would do to protect His people, even using a donkey to speak. Psalm 32:7 (AMP) “You are my hiding place; You, Lord, protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance”, confirmed by Psalm 121:7-8 (AMP) “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life. 8 The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do] From this time forth and forever”.

As believers, we have GOD'S presence with us. He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Psalm 46:1 (NCV) “God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble”.

God’s protection was even evident in Job’s life. Yes, Job suffered many trials because of the attacks of Satan, but God established boundaries that Satan could not cross. Satan was limited to doing only what God allowed and nothing more. Jeremiah 17:8 (ESV) “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit". Nonetheless we should draw near to God and trust His protection by inviting Him to work in us, knowing God will accomplish His good purpose in our lives.

In conclusion, the story of Balaam and the Israelites reminds us of the powerful and unshakable truth that God's protection over His people is unwavering. No scheme or curse formed against those whom God has blessed can succeed. God demonstrates His sovereign power to shield, guide, and uphold His people through the most unexpected means—even a donkey. His protection depends not on human plans but His divine will and promises.

As believers, we can rest assured that God's presence surrounds us like a fortress, protecting us from harm and guiding us through the storms of life. He guards our every step, going before us and standing behind us. Just as He sets boundaries for Satan in Job's life, God limits our challenges, ensuring that nothing will happen beyond His control.

Finally, we are called to trust in His protection, knowing He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble. As we remain rooted in Him, like a tree planted by streams of water, we will continue to bear fruit even in the harshest of seasons, confident that His purpose will prevail in our lives.