Little Boxes

Posted by Dion Todd May 3rd, 2024 1,335 Views 23 Comments

The donkey saw Yahweh's angel, and she lay down under Balaam. Balaam's anger burned, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?" Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have mocked me, I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would have killed you." The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long until today? Was I ever in the habit of doing so to you?" He said, "No." Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw Yahweh's angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face. Numbers 22:27–31 WEB.

Life is full of boxes that limit our view. We each have a little box we live in, and we can't see past the walls. When we are born, our days are often spent in a crib. We grow bigger and eventually have a playpen, then an entire bedroom. Before long, we are crawling around the house and later out into the yard. We start school, and our world expands. We eventually get our driver's license and drive around town, thinking we have finally arrived. But even then, our knowledge stops at the edge of town.

This is normal for kids. Our understanding of the world is made from what we have seen and experienced in life so far. We always think we have arrived and are at the top, even while in our crib. But then our understanding of the world grows. We don't even know what we don't know until we learn it.

We are continually growing, learning, and expanding. Even the universe continues to expand by the second. Yet, as we mature, we tend to set limits. We stop expanding, stop believing, and stop growing. We become a static, unchangeable mass of Christian beliefs. A monument of religion. "Thus said the Lord" instead of "Thus saith the Lord."

It's excessively prideful to believe we know everything about God, that He can do nothing new without us knowing it. The Bible was given to us as an anchor, a guideline, and a measuring stick. God will never contradict His Word, but He will freely expand and correct our understanding of it.

Donkeys didn't talk until one did. People didn't walk on water until some did. Dead people didn't come back to life until some did. Understand that just because you have never seen it doesn't mean God won't do it. His box is much larger than ours.

Also, don't think God is antiquated, for He is the living God on the cutting edge. He can bring fresh insight and wisdom into anything you are facing today. He has helped me repair computer networks countless times when I would stop and ask Him. At times in your life, the Lord may do something completely new and unexpected. So leave room for God to be God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to always be on Your side. Let me find what You are doing on this earth and be a part of it, not against it. Please give me a clear vision and let me see the world through Your eyes. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: The FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) hosts "Feel Good Friday" at RHM each week! All are welcome to share a moment, thought or prayer to lift the spirits of the fellowship! Feel Good Friday takes place on the home page at RHM! As always, If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network