Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

God’s voice has thundered through the ages in ways that defy human logic and expectation. From a donkey’s mouth to a burning bush, Scripture is filled with moments where the Creator of the universe chooses the most unexpected vessels to reveal His plans. These stories are not just ancient wonders—they serve as powerful reminders that God is sovereign over all creation and will use anything or anyone to accomplish His divine will. More than that, they challenge us to open our hearts and ears to hear His voice daily—lest we find ourselves in a moment as startling as these biblical encounters.

A Donkey’s Rebuke: When the Unlikely Speaks

Numbers 22 recounts the story of Balaam, a prophet hired by King Balak to curse the Israelites. As Balaam set out on his journey, his donkey suddenly veered off course, seeing what his master could not—an angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword. Frustrated, Balaam struck the animal three times, oblivious to the divine encounter unfolding before him. Then, in a moment that defies all natural order, the donkey spoke.

“What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28)

Only then did Balaam’s eyes open to see the angel blocking his path. Through this humble, lowly creature, God delivered a wake-up call, redirecting Balaam before he made a disastrous mistake. This extraordinary moment reveals a sobering truth—when we are spiritually blind or stubborn, God may use the most unexpected means to get our attention.

A Bush Ablaze: When the Ordinary Becomes Holy

Exodus 3 presents another divine encounter—Moses, a fugitive-turned-shepherd, tending his flock in the wilderness, suddenly sees a bush engulfed in flames yet never consumed. As he draws near, God calls his name from within the fire:

“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5)

Through this miraculous sight, God commissions Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. At first, Moses resists, doubting his ability to answer such a high calling. Yet God reassures him, saying, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12).

This encounter reminds us that God’s presence transforms the ordinary. A simple desert shrub became a conduit for divine revelation. Likewise, God can use everyday moments to speak profound truths into our lives—if we are willing to notice.

God Moves Beyond Human Logic

The Bible repeatedly affirms that God’s methods do not conform to human understanding. “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21). He chooses the weak to shame the strong, the foolish to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). Through Balaam’s donkey and Moses’ burning bush, we see that God’s voice is not limited to grand sanctuaries or lofty prophets—sometimes, He speaks through the unexpected to shake us from complacency.

But these stories also serve as a warning. Balaam’s spiritual blindness required a donkey to intervene. Moses needed fire to recognize God’s call. How often do we ignore God’s voice until He has to use drastic measures to get our attention?

Cultivating a Listening Heart

God is always speaking, but are we listening? The key to recognizing His voice isn’t waiting for dramatic signs—it’s developing a habit of seeking Him daily. When we prioritize time in prayer, meditation, and Scripture, we align our hearts with His will. This intentional pursuit keeps us sensitive to His guidance, so we don’t need burning bushes or talking animals to remind us of His presence.

God’s ability to work through the unexpected is a testament to His limitless power and creativity. Whether He speaks through an unusual event, a timely word from a friend, or the quiet prompting of His Spirit, He invites us to participate in His divine plan.

So, the next time you encounter something unusual, pause—God just might be speaking. Make space in your life to listen, or the next “conversation” might be as surprising as hearing it from a donkey or a bush ablaze with divine fire.

May your heart be open, your ears attentive, and your spirit ready to respond. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!