Last summer our family hustled to buy a house in the next school district because we didn’t love the public school down the street. I decorated our home like an HGTV before-and-after photoshoot, painting every room Sherwin Williams “Anew Gray,” purging drawers and closets (how many broken pens does one family own?), packing half our belongings to stage rooms like a Magnolia Home display at Target.
We spent weeks looking for a new house. Then we found it: a larger fixer-upper perfect for all of our ministry dreams—including a basement that we imagined transforming into a youth group hangout, decked-out with hanging lights and retro couches. Yes! This was it.
We turned in a fair offer, and the owner’s realtor was angry. We turned in a bumped-up offer, and the owners were still offended. So the house sat there for months, and we enrolled our son in the local school down the street. He started thriving—nothing we feared happened, and we settled back into our house. Months later, the fixer-upper sold to someone else for the original price we offered.
What a waste of time and energy.
Sometimes fear makes us try to protect ourselves in outlandish ways—even moving houses. We can maybe understand Balak, king of Moab, when he feared the Israelites because he had heard about their wars with other kingdoms and how they were moving into their lands. We can understand why Balak started scrambling for his own workaround. But the fact was that God already told Israel through Moses to not fight with the Moabites (Deuteronomy 2:9). Balak had nothing to fear in the first place (Psalm 37:1–3).
Nevertheless, Balak thought he needed to do something. So he turned to a seer, Balaam, one famous for his effectiveness in blessing and cursing. It was believed then that a nation’s god was thought to have the most power over them, so Balaam then entreated Israel’s God to curse them.
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56 thoughts on "Balak Seeks a Curse"
Gosh, how many times do I behave like Balaam? Consulting God (pretending to be obedient), but still going my own way, somehow trying to “negotiate” His will. Thank goodness He blocks my way, though usually let’s me do my will for a while so I learn my lessons. I appreciate how His grace comes with loving discipline.
Catching up on my reading. Today’s devotional seems cut off?
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Thank you for all of you who are praying for me! We all know that prayer makes a huge difference. I am grateful for each one of you! I am keeping your request in my prayers. Lord, please help us to stay strong in adversity. We pray that our loved ones would make a decision and come to a saving knowledge of You. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Happy Tuesday ladies! Praying for everybody is having a great start to the week! I feel like
I’m going a mile a minute to prep for a farmers market I’ll be doing all summer. Praying for all our needs to be met.
Something that stood out to me today was 22:4 the moabites (descendants of Lot) feared the Israelites instead of trusting that the Israelites God would provide for them. Surely the stories of Lot and his wife (and uncle Abe) were passed down generations- surely the Moabites knew what God was/is capable of- why then does fear always lead people so far off the path! Lord give me strength to trust you- to not fear the enemy and go forward with with a foundation of courage that MY GOD CAN!!
Good Day Shes. Am I alone in thinking today’s devotional reading ended a bit hazy…not circling back to underscore a message related to the reading? Then I figured the point was likely making the first failed offer. Followed by the second failed offer. And after reading the community comments & considering my own history & propensity, came up with some takeaways. Test what I’m asking God’s help on. Is it necessary that I get MY way in a situation? And when God answers once, do I keep pursuing MY preferred response? It’s so easy to want & take matters into my own human hands & set out doggedly on my own. Only to suffer disappointment or damaging missteps. When the TRUE solution, the better path, is in front of me. Already accomplished. Heed the angel. Don’t beat the donkey.
Me too!
Same!
I agree. I felt as if some of it was left out, so I checked back just now to see if they added to it.
Nothing can curse what God has already blessed. In my Bible Recap book, today the book compares the kindness David shows Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s kin, to the kindness God shows us. David loved Jonathan so much that he chose to seek out and bless the kin of Jonathan. He chose to let this kin eat at his royal table forever. Mephibosheth is lame in both feet, so he has a lot of needs and must be carried. All of his needs are handed to him. We, also, are crippled by our sin and need a lot of help. So, God carries us and does all the hard work for us. God gives us mercy and blessings for no reason other than love. God invites us to eat at his royal table forever. God is where the joy is! Don’t fear any evil, because God is our eternal protector.
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Amen!! Have a great day She’s! ❤️
I am slowing getting back from the worst flu I’ve ever had. So glad to be back. I have a few thoughts on today’s readings. 1. Fighting the enemy was messy, bloody, ugly. We, too, need to be willing and fight our enemies no matter how messy, bloody or ugly it gets. But we must win. 2. Fear of God’s people is a sure motivator to try to shut them down. Isn’t that going on in our world today? 3. God will go at all lengths to stop the “curses” of the enemy on His people. We can rest in that. God’s plan will not be thwarted just because the enemy gets it in his mind that he is going to stop God’s people.
Amen! ❤️
Glad to hear you are recovering from the flu.
Kris, so glad you are recovering!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Wonderful insight.
But WE must win? May God’s love, grace, and mercy win.
Yes, we must win over our enemies – and this is, of course, done with God’s power in our lives, our obedience to God’s word, the authority He has given us in scripture. We have to know we have an enemy who is vying for our lives, and we will have to do battle (using God’s power and authority in us) to overcome the enemy. You will see in scripture that the Promised Land, flowing with milk and honey, also was full of enemies that the Israelites had to go in and conquer. Our promised land will be similar. There will be battles to win, but we are more than conquerors thru Christ who loves us.
How often have I gotten myself in a panic and choose to react? I have to slow down and remember that God is in control. To learn to hear His voice only and not what I want to believe He is telling me.
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I’ve always loved this story! I’m sure it’s because of the donkey talking! God had already given His answer. Sometimes, He will let us go our own way but there usually is a consequence. Balaam and Balak give us great examples of this.
I think this also shows how God protects His people against evil.
I just pray for God’s wisdom in all my ways so I won’t need my golden doodle talking to me!
Yes!He will let us go our own way..usually doesn’t end well. I would freak out if an animal started talking to me. Definitely a story that kids remember!
That old saying, “be careful what you ask for” – so true! God already told Balaam not to go, (Numbers 22:12) but the reward for going – how tempting! So he went to God and asked again, as if God had changed His mind! So God gave him what he asked for, and told him to go. But then, He had God to answer to!
May we all learn a lesson from this.
Side note, concerning the donkey talking (and Balaam didn’t think that strange??!!) I once heard a pastor say – “If God can use a donkey, He can use me!”
Have a blessed Tuesday sisters! ❤️
Yes, He can use anything or anyone! ❤️
Praying for the requests. Thankful for all you She’s!
Praying for you, Mia!
Yes, still praying for your family Faith! How are you holding up? How are you kids holding up?
Not sure why my comment is awaiting moderation this am. I copied/pasted it to the FB group, should you want to check it out and are able to do so. There are some prayer requests.
Lord, help us (ME!) always listen to you… and without needing talking donkeys! Just like You knew that Balaam needed that, though, You know what we need and how best to talk with us and get our attention. Let me and your sweet She’s always trust and obey… for there’s no other way. (Music note emoji)
Two prayer requests, please, lovelies…
FIL fell last week and got rolled by his truck. (Don’t ask me how THAT happened… We are still trying to piece it all together!) Miraculously, he has a small fracture in his knee. He is 85, though, and mending of the bone will take a while. In the meantime, he is going stir crazy at the hospital and is considering leaving AMA (against medical advice). He is not a believer, either. So a couple prayers for him.
AND… MIL has been just diagnosed with mouth cancer. Appointment on 6/3 with specialists to determine course of action. (We know it will require surgery, but we are not sure what will happen next. Will chemo be needed? Radiation?) She IS a believer. She is 83. And she just wants to go home. Oral surgeon that did biopsy said that oral cancer is a rough way to die. So prayers for peace and discernment in that situation, as well.
Thank you, sweet sisters and friends!
P.S. MIL and FIL divorced years ago, so these issues are not facing one household.
P.S. 2 Saw Fred last weekend. He is looking and feeling good after surgery and despite chemo. Sharon continues to improve but is still in a rehab facility that can take care of her medical needs as well. I fear that she will never be able to return to her home with Fred.
GM She’s
Glad for the explanation of these verses, I was a little lost although I of course never forgot the talking donkey! Your insights are always good!
@Mercy- glad to hear an update, I figured you were back home by now! Safe travels! Maybe you can put earplugs in the children”s ears? I know once my son cried about the pain in his and it was awful that I couldn’t do anything, I always wear them regardless these days on takeoffs and landings because I don’t want to get the pain. I am so happy your visit was fruitful with your mom and brother.
I would still like prayer for my grandson and granddaughter (being in a toxic, dysfunctional family). The undercurrent is all ways there, and there was another almost drowning this past wkd..it is sad and we always feel helpless knowing it’s going to happen. We pray for their hearts to turn to God. My granddaughter is the only receptive one, she is 11. The grandson is 16, that is the thrashing and lashing out one as he starts to go under…causing him to not be saved by the ones trying to rescue him. I can share more on fb.
@Tricia- prayers that you will know God’s prompting for the retaking! You will do great!
@Bebe- thanks for posting
Praying for your grandchildren, Rhonda. How heartbreaking for them and you – and everyone involved. So sad, but God sees, He knows, and He loves them. ❤️
God let me hear and obey. In Jesus name , Amen
And not have to have a talking donkey to do it! (Visualize the winking emoji!)
Amen, sisters.
Seek the Lord, listen with our hearts and minds for His guidance; trust, obey and follow Him.
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2 Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
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MERCY – praying for safe and smooth travels, peace in your leaving family til next time. Thankful for the reconciliation with your brother
BEBE ROGERS- praying for God’s best in the job application
TRICIA C – praying for guidance and peace in timing for retaking the test, for understanding of the response needed and full recall of knowledge.
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CEE GEE ❤️ appreciate your comments and material shared yesterday
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Prayer request for friend and her husband – biopsy of questionable kidney area returned a cancer diagnosis. More testing in the next couple of weeks to determine whether it has spread. Praying for guidance for them and medical team, and also for financial provision as they are having to travel for all of this.
And also prayer requested for another friend that has been handling medical care for a friend for several years. She’s just been told that her friend’s time may be shorter than expected. Only God knows, praying for wisdom, guidance and comfort for all involved in her care. Thank you, sisters.
Searching – praying for both of your friends. May God give strength, grace and peace to all, and wisdom for every decision that has to be made.
Praying
❤ per your requests, sister!
“Sometimes fear makes us try to protect ourselves in outlandish ways.”
Lord increase my faith. Help me to trust You to be working for my good in seemingly fear-inducing situations.
MERCY – praying your friend finds freedom in Jesus. Happy to hear about your brother! Safe and peaceful travels home.
I was interested to see why God got angry when He said Balaam could go! I knew it couldn’t be a contradiction or God being finicky….so I looked it up. God said ‘if they call you again’ but before anything, Balaam rose up in the morning and went. He didn’t wait for another request. His greed overtook everything else.
Lord, help us to listen to You alone,not hear what we want to hear. Help us to obey Your voice first and alone. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit! In Jesus Name, amen!
But according to v. 15, the princes were already there waiting for his response. What do you make of that?
God made His will clear but Baalam’s love for money was bigger than his fear for God. Balaam knew he could not curse Israel AND receive money for his ‘services’. He ignored God’s initial command, hoping that God would change His mind and give him a more convenient answer. God didn’t change His mind, but instead gave Balaam what he wanted, allowing him to continue on the road leading to sin and destruction.
Lessons:
1) God’s Word is not vague or confusing (verse 12).
2) If God is not taking up most space in your heart, something else will (verse 17).
3) God knows what is best for us (verse 32).
4) God is in control. We have the choice to live according to His will or against His will (verse 35).
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Dear Father,
You cannot be fooled. You are in control.
May we fear You and seek You instead of earthly riches.
May we trust Your Word the first time we hear it and not seek an answer that suits us better.
May we follow Jesus and walk with Him through this life.
Bless us so that we may be a blessing to others.
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN.
Thank you Julia! ❤️
Amen
Amen❤️
Sometimes we will do whatever we can to get what we want. Lord, help us to seek you and your will above ours.
I just read the comments from yesterday. Julia C thank you for asking about my test. I took it on May 4 and I failed it. Not by much but I did. Now I have been really studying and can take it again anytime I am just struggling with doubt whether I can pass it. I am trying to know God‘s will, and when he wants me to take it again. If you could just pray that I would know when that is. I could take it as early as this Saturday and would like to be done with it, but I’m not sure I am ready. It was the hardest test I can ever remember taking in my life. lol. I don’t remember my nursing exam and my certification for critical care nursing being as difficult. Or maybe it is just the season that I am in and learning is not coming quite as easy. I am sure that the Lord wants me to do this. I just need to know when.
Sisters, have a wonderful Tuesday! Blessings from northeastern Pennsylvania!
Adding an AMEN to your prayer! Continued prayers for the Lord’s guidance on when to take the test again, Tricia.
Praying for a helpful sign Tricia❤️
Praying, Tricia! I admire your courage and determination!
So, you’re also from PA.. I’m from the southeastern corner… between Lancaster and Hershey. It’s so wonderful to have Christian Sisters from so many different areas and countries!! ♥️
Prayers Tricia, to know the when, you’ve got this ❤️!
Julia, thank you again for a beautiful prayer.
Sisters your comments added to understanding this morning.
Today I’m flying to WY for a grandchild’s graduation later this week. I don’t know if I will be on each day but you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Prayer request for my youngest sister who is having some troubling heart concerns.
Still not able to see many comments every day, but notice many sisters who usually comment, not. I don’t know if it’s the site or they are taking a rest.
Donna, praying for safe travels and a wonderful time at your granddaughter’s graduation…aslo prayers for your sister.❤️
Hi Donna!
We’ve heard from some of our She’s that they are experiencing issues seeing comments. We are looking into this.
Thank you for your patience!
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Tricia, I’m sorry that you didn’t pass your exam. I too was wondering the results as I also had been praying for you. Will pray that God will give you the wisdom to know when to try again, and that you will be totally ready when the time comes. ❤️
Praying