What does it take for God to get your attention? 

Numbers 22:20 ~ 38

In our lives we face many hard times and troubles.  Sometimes we blame God when we should blame ourselves.  We want to follow the ways of the flesh and expect God to bless us. God will allow us to pursue our reckless behavior and face the consequences of that behavior that we might seek Him. What does it take for God to get your attention? 

1. Balaam wanted to go to Balak/ attitude of the heart

   a. God allowed him to go didn’t send him

   c. God gave a limit to Balaam could do

2. Balaam traveling w/ a large group

   a. many important people/ soldiers his 2 servants

   b. he was embarrassed by donkey’s behavior

   c. he kept beating donkey to get it to obey

3. God was very angry he went/ God looks at heart

   a. permission does not equal approval

   b. Balaam’s heart was hard towards things of God

   c. Mark 6:51 & 52 hard for not meditating on God’s word

4. 3 times angel of the Lord stood in the way

   a. donkey saw what was going on

   b. animals have a sense about things we don’t see

   c. donkey was actually protecting Balaam

   d. Balaam’s eyes were not on things of God

5. Lord opened donkey’s mouth & she spoke

   a. we all talk to animals but how many talk back

   b. Balaam wanted to kill donkey/made fool of him

   c. donkey defended self but did not speak of angel

6. God opened Balaam’s eyes

   a. now God has Balaam’s attention

   b. God defends the donkey for protecting Balaam

   c. vs. 35 message is speak only what I tell you

7. Balak says where have you been

   a. I have money for you/ Balaam wants it

   b. many do what God says only because of fear/shame

   c. Balaam did not have a change of heart

As we go through life we face many challenges and trials.  At times, not always, it is because we want to follow the way of the flesh.  We want our way.  So we look for things to excuse our behavior.  God will allow us to go down the wrong path and suffer the consequences of stupidity.  God wants to get your attention.   What does it take for you?  Balaam needed a donkey what do you need?