Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

Sweet Nothings

August 5, 2009

To whisper sweet nothings is to speak loving bits to one we love. Sweet nothings are telling another things they want and are eager to hear.

"Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied, "But I can't say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth."
- Numbers 22:18 TNIV

Balak was the King of Moab, and he didn't like what he saw: this invading hoard of Israelites coming into his land. So he summoned his guru, Balaam, to put a curse on the Israelites. Yet Balaam had been warned by God to do no cursing of the Israelites. King Balak ordered Balaam to go with him on a trip, one to curse God's people. What Balak and Balaam did not know was God was not going to let it happen, no matter what. No sweet nothings, no curses were to be spoken. God prevented Balaam's donkey from taking another step toward the Israelites. Balaam just didn't get it, so he beat the tar out of his previously faithful donkey. Finally, Balaam got the shock of his life. His donkey turned to him and said, "Hey pal, stop hitting me. I'm trying to save your life. You take one more step forward to curse the Israelites and God's going to cut you down!" Balaam was not in the habit of having conversations with his donkey. And finally he got the point. And he told the king, "I can't only speak sweet nothings. I can only speak the words God has for me, whether it pleases you or not."

Hmmm? God's Word saved both Balak and Balaam's lives, though they were words the king didn't want to hear. Two things to ponder today: How is God's Word speaking to you today--words you may want to hear or not? And secondly, if God can use a donkey to get God's work done, take heart, maybe God can use you, too!

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson