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If God Can Use a Donkey, Surely He Can Use Me"

  1. Introduction: The Lesson from Balaam’s Donkey
  • A reminder that God can use anyone, no matter how unlikely.
  • The donkey’s role shows us that God’s power, not our ability, is what matters.
  • Key Question: If God can use a donkey, what’s stopping Him from using me?
  1. Background Context: Setting the Stage (Numbers 22)
  1. Israel’s Journey:
    • God’s guidance and victories over enemies (Amorites and Bashan).
    • Fear among neighboring nations, especially Moab.
  2. Moab’s Fear:
    • King Balak fears Israel’s numbers and success.
    • Seeks to weaken Israel through a curse.
  3. Balak’s Plan:
    • Sends messengers to hire Balaam, a diviner, to curse Israel.
    • Balak’s plea: "Come curse these people for me!"
  1. Balaam: A Man of Conflicted Motives
  1. Who Was Balaam?
    • A non-Israelite diviner with some knowledge of God.
    • Greedy and self-serving, driven by the lure of riches.
  2. Balaam’s Initial Response:
    • Consults God, who instructs him not to curse Israel.
    • Refuses Balak’s offer at first but entertains a second delegation.
  3. God’s Permission with a Warning:
    • God allows Balaam to go but commands strict obedience: "Only do what I tell you."
  1. The Talking Donkey: God Gets Balaam’s Attention (Numbers 22:21-38)
  1. The Angel of the Lord Blocks the Way:
    • Balaam is blind to God’s intervention, but the donkey sees the danger.
    • Balaam’s frustration leads to anger and striking the donkey.
  2. God Opens the Donkey’s Mouth:
    • The donkey speaks, revealing Balaam’s blindness and God’s message.
    • Lesson: God can use even the lowliest of creatures to accomplish His purpose.
  3. Balaam’s Humility:
    • Balaam’s eyes are opened, and he acknowledges God’s sovereignty.
  1. Key Lessons from Balaam’s Donkey
  1. God Knows How to Be Heard:
    • God speaks in ways we can understand—even through unlikely sources.
    • We must be willing to listen when He calls.
  2. God Uses the Unlikely:
    • The donkey reminds us that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
    • It’s not about our ability but our availability.
  3. Stay Humble in Service:
    • Being used by God is not a sign of our greatness but of His power.
    • Achieving "donkey status" means being a humble servant for God’s glory.
  1. Call to Action: Surrender to God’s Will
  1. Stop Making Excuses:
    • Common excuses: "I’m not good enough," "I don’t have the time," "What if I fail?"
    • God’s work doesn’t depend on our perfection, only our willingness.
  2. Trust God’s Plan:
    • Like Balaam, we must obey God’s direction, even when it’s uncomfortable.
    • Surrender your doubts, fears, and excuses at the feet of Jesus.
  3. Be Available for God’s Purpose:
    • Look for opportunities to serve, love, and encourage others.
    • Say "Here I am, Lord, send me!"
  1. Conclusion and Final Thought
  • If God can use a donkey, He can surely use you.
  • God calls us to humble ourselves and rely on His strength, not our own.
  • Let’s leave here today committed to saying “yes” to God, trusting Him to work through us for His glory.