~Darene Cole

“God is not man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.
Has He said, and will He not do it? Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

The story of Balak, king of Moab, and Balaam the diviner is both fascinating and deeply instructive. Though neither man belonged to the people of Israel, their lives became intertwined with God’s covenant purposes. Balak, driven by fear, sought to curse Israel in hopes of protecting his own people. Balaam, on the other hand, had direct communication with the God of Israel, but still disobeyed the Lord.

This story invites many questions. Why did God choose to speak through Balaam? Was Balaam a prophet? Yet one of the most pressing questions is this: Why did Balaam continue to inquire of the Lord again and again when God had already given him clear instructions? God’s command was unmistakable:
“You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)

How often do we do the same? Has God spoken clearly over our lives, through His Word, through prayer, or His Spirit? Yet we continue to question Him because of our circumstances. Do we revisit what God has already settled because the road feels long, uncertain, or uncomfortable?

Through this story, God reminds us of an unchanging truth: He does not change His mind. When God speaks, His word stands. If He has made a promise, He is faithful to fulfill it. God does not need to repeat Himself for His word to be true. As His children, we are called to trust Him the first time He speaks. God is not fickle as we are. He does not waver. He does not speak carelessly. What He declares, He completes according to His perfect timing and purpose. Our role is not to negotiate His word, but to believe it, obey it, and walk faithfully in it.

Lord, help me to keep Your instructions and to walk faithfully in obedience. If You have spoken a word over my life, help me to believe it no matter what I face. Strengthen my faith when circumstances challenge Your promises. Teach me to trust You fully and to remain faithful to You in every season. Amen!