“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Being interrupted is not something most people would wish. Say you are headed somewhere, are behind on time and suddenly the car tyre has a puncture. This could be an interruption causing unnecessary inconvenience which would make the punctilious person fret with worry.

But wait a minute there are quite a number of instances where God interrupted someone on a journey for a good purpose. It was on the road to Damascus intent on a mission to kill Christians that the Apostle Paul was interrupted and saved (Acts 9). On his way back to his country Jacob was interrupted when he wrestled with a man whom he would not let go until he blessed him. “Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there” (Genesis 32:29).

Then there’s the prophet Balaam who was interrupted on a journey for something else. “Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path through the vineyards, with walls on both sides. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again” (Numbers 22: 24-25). The Lord had to make a donkey talk to get Balaam’s attention (v 30). “The angel of the Lord asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me” (v 32). Balaam finally got it and had to turn back and go on to fill the Lord’s purpose as He intended.

Any of us might be speeding out on a journey we feel we can’t do without. Suddenly an interruption comes from nowhere. It could be a clear voice from God warning us from proceeding. Perhaps there is a certain urgent matter putting our plans on hold. Maybe it is a natural disaster as was coronavirus pandemic. What then should be our attitude?

Let’s pause and listen to God. For then He might not have to make a donkey talk, if only to get our attention, and just for our good.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of creation, today as I go about my tasks, may I listen to your voice and be open to any interruption from you, as you lead me along, this I pray in Jesus’s name!