When God Says No

The next morning Balaam got up and said to Balak’s officials, “Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you. – Numbers 22:13 (NIV)

Balaam’s relationship with God started out good.  Balaam consulted God on every decision, and God gave him the guidance needed to live a successful life.  Then, in Numbers 22:13, officials – sent by king Balak – showed up on Balaam’s doorstep offering him a lucrative opportunity.  As his routine dictated – he wisely consulted God first.  However, to his dismay, God’s response was “No”.

Have you ever prayed for something you really wanted, and instead of God saying, “Yes” - he said “No”?  When God says “No”, there is always a reason, and that reason is most certainly to our benefit.  In the case of Balaam, Balak wanted to go to war against God’s chosen people, and wanted Balaam’s help.  Although this would have made Balaam a wealthy man, it would have also placed him at odds with God – a position we never want to find ourselves.

Unfortunately for Balaam, he couldn’t accept God’s “No”, and eventually it ruined his relationship with God.  Today, let us examine ourselves.  Have we truly accepted God’s “No”?  Have we completely surrendered to God’s will?