In Balaam’s first oracle to Balak, God declared that those whom He has blessed cannot be cursed (v. 8). In the second oracle, God declared Himself to be for Israel like a wild ox (v. 22). In both of Balaam’s first two oracles, God’s message to Balak, as he tried to curse Israel, was that God cannot be controlled. No person, no matter how powerful he or she may be, can coerce God to do that which He has not desired to do. God had blessed Israel, and He would not change His mind because He is faithful and true.

No one and nothing can thwart God’s plans for His people. Not even Satan can do anything to curse the people of God (Job 1:12). Our God is like a wild ox, and He fights for us. Even though we may face persecution and difficult times, there is nothing that can stop God from fulfilling all that He has planned and promised. God has placed stories of His work for His people in the Bible so that we can see how He works for the good of His people, and in doing so, realize He works for us in the same way.

• How can seeing the unstoppable faithfulness of God change the way you approach difficult situations today?