“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people.” Luke 1:68
Who can forget the Bible story of the time when the donkey talked? I can remember sitting on the edge of my seat in Sunday School as my teacher put up the flannel graph figures depicting the scene found in Numbers 22 and 23.
Balaam was on his way as a “hired prophet “ to curse the Israelites when the Angel of the Lord stood in the roadway with his sword drawn. Although invisible to Balaam, the donkey could see the danger ahead and sat down in the roadway refusing to go another step. Out of his fury Balaam began to beat his trusted Donkey when the Donkey spoke up in his own defense and said; “I’m your own donkey. You’ve always ridden me. Have I ever done this to you before?”
In that moment Balaam’s eyes where opened and he realized the danger in front of him. Nevertheless, the bounty offered by the King of Moab was more than Balaam could resist. Overlooking the Israelites in the valley below, Balaam tried his best to curse the decedents of Jacob, but only blessing could come out of his mouth.
Israel was living under a Divine blessing so strong that the curse was reversed and what Balaam wanted to say he could not utter. A good sign God is about to do something BIG in your life is when the enemy tries his best to curse you. Yes, it can hurt and even make you feel like a momentary failure, but the most hurtful thing can be the source from which those words are delivered. When words of cursing and accusation come from someone you know, love and hold in high regard, it can leave you flabbergasted, say the least.
Our adversary will use anyone he can to speak words of hurt and death over you and your destiny. When it comes through the mouth of that trusted coworker, lifelong friend, family member or trusted leader the blow can seem devastating. But, whatever you do, don’t receive it. Realize the true source of that attempted curse is your eternal foe and his motive is to stop you dead in your tracks.
As hard as it may seem to do at the moment, begin to praise God and bless the one trying to curse you. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Thank God and know that you are close to something big. Refuse to get bitter or offended and your praise will become your warfare, and Jesus Himself will be your refuge. Know, that what God has blessed, no man can curse and because of the grace of Jesus and the love God has for you, BIG blessings are right around the corner.
THAT is good preaching right there! I can personally testify that every word of that is true . . .and the blessing that came to be is worth more than all the pain I suffered. Amen! Thank you for providing these devotions. They are always a blessing to me – but this one especially so.
Lisa Allen