“Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness.” - Numbers 24:1 (KJV) We live in uncertain times. With so much going on in the world around you, it can be tempting to seek solace …
“Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness.”
– Numbers 24:1 (KJV)
We live in uncertain times. With so much going on in the world around you, it can be tempting to seek solace and reassurance from wherever it may be found.
In moments like this, many people turn to the spiritual or unseen realm for direction, insight, or prophecy—hoping for an advantage to navigate uncertainty.
The problem is not the desire for insight or prophecy. The problem lies in the sources you choose.
It is critical to remember that not all power is from God. The Bible warns in 2 Corinthians:
But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT)
In times of uncertainty, lean in closer to God—the only true source of truth.
In our text today, we meet Balaam, a man who many in his time would have seen as a powerful prophet. But the secret behind his power is revealed in Numbers 24:1:
Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Do not be so desperate for prophecies that you fall into the wrong hands.
This verse reveals that Balaam’s usual practice in prophecy involved sorcery. The Bible makes it clear through the phrase, “as at other times”, that this was not a one-time thing—it was his regular custom.
Friend, beware! Just because someone calls themselves a prophet, seer, or spiritual guide does not mean they are truly from God. Even if their “prophecies” seem convincing or accurate, they could be operating by dark powers.
We would be wise to take to heart these words of Scripture:
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.
1 John 4:1-2
Protect yourself from spiritual deception and manipulation by staying rooted in God and His Word. Do not be so desperate for prophecies that you fall into the wrong hands.
Stay with Christ. Be planted in God’s house. Seek His face and develop your spiritual maturity. God will speak to you—even through the messages in your Bible-believing home church. If you remain open and sensitive to Him, you will navigate difficult times and come out victorious.
Song: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” — Kari Jobe
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the discernment to recognize truth from error. Keep me anchored in Your Word and sensitive to Your Spirit. Guard my heart from deception and draw me closer to You daily. Let my steps be ordered by Your wisdom and lead me in victory always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 Year: 2 Kings 22-23; John 4
Sign up for free class
It’s easy and free!
