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." Numbers 22:28–30 WEB.

Balaam was riding his donkey down the road one day when it suddenly sat down under him and refused to get back up. The prophet Balaam became angry and beat the donkey with his staff. Then the donkey started speaking to him. Soon after their disagreement began, Balaam found himself arguing with an ass. He seemed to overlook that it was a very articulate, intelligent donkey. In fact, it was trying to save his life.

We have all had people in our lives who have suddenly become very annoying for an unknown reason. The Lord sometimes uses the strangest people or even animals to speak to us. These tend to get under your skin and reveal the real you that is hidden inside. Yet, it always comes out with a little coaxing or prodding.

Don't start arguing with an ass today, or let them incite you. God may be using this to show you what is really inside of you. It's always something in you that causes you to become upset, not external forces. You have a trigger, and they have simply found the switch. When you resist the temptation to flare up, it will become easier. Like sandpaper, the ass is there to help polish you up and knock off those rough edges.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me deal with the things in my life. Cleanse me from the bad attitudes, and help me control my emotions. Make me stable and secure in who I am in You. Help me see the big picture and to know that this tiny incident is nothing to be upset about. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Happy New Year!!! May the Lord bring you a joyous, peaceful and highly blessed 2026! Also, today is Thankful Thursday at the Ministry Events group! This event gives us an opportunity encourage each other by posting thoughts, moments, and prayers of gratitude for Him, His creation and all that He does in our lives. All our welcome! To join, just click on the group name and then the join link on the page that will follow. 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.