When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road. Numbers 22:23

Traveling down the road no one likes to be put on a detour or told that they cannot continue their journey. Detours and stops can sometimes occur because there is danger ahead that will cause major problems if the path is continued.

Many will get angry about the detour and try to force their way through.

Balaam was on his way to curse or bless the Israelites at the request of Balak. On the way his donkey was stopped by an angel, and it turned off the path. Balaam then beat the donkey.

Everyone who has chosen to believe in and follow Jesus is on a path towards holiness and heaven. At times people will choose to take a different path, while still claiming to follow Jesus. They will begin to walk down a path of sin and death.

God, in His perfect love, will put a block on the path to get the person back onto the right path. It could be a donkey, as in the case of Balaam, or it could be something else such as sickness, injury, loss of position or job, or anything else to move the believer off the wrong path.

Instead of getting angry and trying to force the situation to stay on the wrong path, the believer should see God’s hand at work and move. God does not force one off of a path just to be mean, but in order to guide the believer on the right path of righteousness, holiness and what is best for him in light of eternity.

Anytime you begin to stray off the path God has for you He will attempt to put a block in the way. He wants you on the best path possible, not what looks good at the moment.

Do not allow yourself to stray off the path God has for you, whether it is to sin or just to do your own thing. Getting off of God’s path will only lead to frustration, death and destruction.

Seek God’s direction for your life and walk that path. It will lead to holiness, bringing His peace, comfort, and strength.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know the path God has for you; that you will trust in God’s leading you; that God will help you to not stray from His path for you; and that you will do God’s will in every area of your life.