“Under it. Over it. Around it. Through it. Nothing will stop me from doing it.” I often hear people express this kind of attitude when they get an idea or see an opportunity that seems good or profitable. They devote all of their resources to getting it done.
As evidence that this way of thinking may be flawed, I call as
my witness a donkey—a donkey belonging to a man named Balaam in this week’s
Torah reading.
Balaam was offered a profitable assignment from a neighboring
king, and he inquired of God for permission to accept it (Num. 22). When God
said no, the king’s representatives made a better offer. Thinking God might
change His mind, Balaam asked again. God granted permission for Balaam to go
with them but with strict conditions. God knew Balaam’s heart and was not
pleased with him, so He placed His Angel with a fiery sword in the way. Balaam
couldn’t see the Angel but his donkey could. When the donkey refused to
continue, Balaam became angry with the animal for blocking his progress.
Balaam’s story teaches us that perhaps not all obstacles should
be overcome. Perhaps an obstacle in our way is God’s way of teaching us before
we act we should stop, think especially of the consequences of our actions, and
then act righteously. We would avoid many mistakes if we would just take the
time to stop, think, and then act.
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