Didn't See It Coming

John was a great miler. He always liked to take the lead early in the race and run to victory. His coach, however, was concerned about an upcoming race. John's top opponent would be one who liked to come from behind to win.

When the race started, like clockwork, John raced to the lead. His coach told him to move to the inside of lane one, but John ignored him. He liked to run in the first lane, but not always on the inside. Laps two and three, his coach said the same thing, but John only grew upset with him. John knew he had the lead — the victory was his. On lap four, his coach was more insistent that John move to the inside of lane one, but John stayed firm in the middle of the lane.

In the Old Testament, Balaam had a similar situation with his faithful donkey. Balaam was traveling down the road on his donkey, and God became angry with him and sent an angel to oppose him. The donkey could see the angel and moved to avoid him, but Balaam became angry and hit is donkey. Three times the donkey avoided the angel, who was sent to strike down Balaam, and every time Balaam hit his faithful steed. Finally, God opened the donkey's mouth, and they had a conversation. Now, if my donkey started talking to me, I certainly would take notice, but Balaam was so blind by his anger, he did not listen. God had to open Balaam's eyes to see what the donkey had saved him from receiving. Balaam repented of his sin and turned to God for forgiveness.

On the final turn of the race, John stood firm in his chosen position. In the last 10 yards, his opponent passed him on the inside and took the victory. John's coach had seen what John himself had been blind to. He knew his opponent was coming on strong and that if John did not move to the inside, he would be beaten. John, like Balaam, had a blind spot and could not see what was coming. Many times we do not listen to others who want to show us areas in which we can improve because we cannot see the need ourselves. We all have blind spots. But pay attention. God may be using them to show you what you need to change today.