This series is dedicated to transforming your perspective on life's inevitable trials, tests and adversities. In the introduction (please click here to read it), we established that such adversities were a fact of life but we have God's assurance that everything we face will workout eventually for our own benefit. More to the point God delights in turning the table on the devil and having the last laugh.

To verify this, we have been going through the bible to highlight examples of God's people who have come through negative circumstances and in hindsight turned out to be better off(Click here to read part 2). The bible assures us that "...God treats all people alike."(Acts 10:34 CEV) and since "Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 CEV), it is my prayer that you will take comfort from their experiences and expect the same kind of results. Maybe you might even laugh with Him in anticipation of the expected end.

Enjoy

====================================&&&&&&&&&&&====================================

Here we look at the king of Moab called Balak, who was clearly unsettled by the presence of the Israelites so close to his kingdom, having heard of some of their recent conquests. Full of a sense of foreboding danger to his domain, he sought the services of Balaam, the renowned prophet of the day to curse the Jews as a means of giving him an upper hand in battle. There was only one problem; God had already bestowed His irrevocable blessings on the children of Israel. Balak; not deterred by this apparent hitch, relentlessly badgered Balaam, tempting Him with all manner of gifts. Eventually God permitted Balaam to go (not before his life was saved by a talking donkey) and ultimately Balak provided the Israelites with three expense paid affirmations of God's blessings.

In Numbers 22-24, the children of Israel

Camped in the plain of Moab, sent a shiver up Balak's spine

Having heard stories of their recent conquests

He employed Balaam to curse the "blessed of the Lord"

Peradventure he may succeed against them in battle

Balaam replied, "I cannot curse what God has blessed"

Balak persisted with more promises of great reward

Tempted, Balaam nearly perished by the sword of the Lord

Eventually permitted to go, The devil must have thought, "He will curse them now"

Balaam blessed Israel at Balak's expense

God must have had a laugh, at Balak's bullish persistence

As Balaam blessed them, not once or twice but three times

All expenses paid from his very own purse

====================================&&&&&&&&&&&====================================

1. "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG)

2. "Merciless people make plots against good people and snarl like animals, but the Lord laughs and knows their time is coming soon." (Psalms 37:12-13 CEV)

3. "From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans." (Psalms 2:4 GNB)To be continued..

Every Blessing

Breadoflife

Click here to read part 4

To view others instalments in the series, click here