Never have I seen so much of Jesus and the heart of God in the Old Testament as I am seeing this time through the Bible. It is literally like a veil being lifted. What was once obscure and hard to understand is suddenly enlightening and illuminating when you begin to better understand the heart of its omniscient narrator and creator.

Never have I seen the whole story coming together so; like a tightly woven silk scarf—not only beautiful, but knitted together with creation’s strongest fiber.

So many things again are leaping off of these pages of Numbers, but I can’t help but zoom in again on TRUSTING God’s infinite wisdom, especially as it comes to His creation of humankind.

Most of us likely wonder why idol-loving Balaam, whose heart has an obvious wicked side, was chosen for the important task of showing King Balak, a man who was hell-bent on cursing God’s people, who was indeed in charge

But, of course, God knew Balaam was the perfect one for the job. He was someone Balak obviously trusted and was also one that understood the power of God. The problem was Balaam was a an idol whore, and his loyalty and heart went wherever his own desires were met.

And herein lies my God-shot. Nothing can stop God’s plan. Nothing. God can take us free-willing humans and mold us and shape our hearts to help fulfill His purposes and plans. Of course, His core desire is for us to also desire Him and His purposes and plans and ultimately His righteousness, but He certainly doesn’t mind using someone like Balaam who obviously thinks He can use God for his own fleshly purposes.

Just as God did with Pharoah, did you catch the many life lines and chances He gave Balaam and even King Balak?

One of my favorite passages today came in Numbers 23:18-20 during Balaam’s second message to Balak. It was such a personalized call, I can’t imagine that Balak didn’t at least lose his breath for a minute. And Balaam too as the Holy Spirit made him utter such glorious words of God’s unchangeable nature.

“Balak, get up and listen, son of Zippor, pay attention to what I say!
God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act or promise and not fulfill? …

Deep sigh.

Father God, as I sit here with a face drenched in tears, I want to thank You and give You praise for giving us your Word and yet another opportunity and lifeline to fully turn to You and give you all that we are to fulfill the purposes You set for us before the foundation of the world was created. Father, you know my heart and you know thatI desire to fully trust You, but I still falter daily in this area. Thank You for showing me every day—through Your Word and actions—who You really are and continuing to find me worthy. I want nothing more than to follow and love you with ALL my heart, Lord; to do my part in Your Plan. Please continue to help me with this. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen and Ehmen