The story of Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22 shows that God can use anyone—or anything—for His purposes. Whether it’s a talking animal, a humble shepherd, or someone who feels completely unqualified, God often works through the unexpected to show His power and redirect people to His will. The key isn’t your ability, status, or background—it’s your willingness to listen and obey. This story reminds us to stay alert, because God speaks in ways we don’t always expect.
If you’ve ever felt too ordinary or too flawed to be used by God, you’re in good company. The Bible is full of “unlikely heroes” who did incredible things simply because they trusted God. The lesson? God’s glory doesn’t depend on our greatness—it shines through our obedience. Keep reading to explore how this truth can reshape how you see yourself, your calling, and the way God works in your everyday life.
Sometimes, God’s most powerful messages come through the most unexpected messengers. If you’ve ever doubted your usefulness or wondered if God can work through your weaknesses, the story of Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22 is for you.
God uses the unexpected. Always has. Always will.
Let’s break this down, learn the key lessons, and see how you can apply them to your own life today.
1. The Story: Balaam and His Talking Donkey
You’ll find this unusual story in Numbers 22:21–33. Here’s the scene:
- Balaam is a prophet, summoned by Balak, king of Moab.
- Balak wants Balaam to curse Israel.
- God tells Balaam not to go. Then permits him—but with conditions.
- On the way, Balaam’s donkey sees an angel blocking the path.
- Three times, the donkey veers off to avoid the angel.
- Balaam beats the donkey each time.
- Then, God opens the donkey’s mouth, and she asks, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28)
- God then opens Balaam’s eyes. He sees the angel and falls face down.
A donkey speaks. A prophet is rebuked. God’s message is loud and clear.
2. God Can Use Anything—and Anyone
Let’s get straight to it: if God can use a donkey, He can use you.
Think about that. This wasn’t a majestic stallion or a wise elder. It was a common donkey. No titles. No pedigree. Just a regular animal doing its job. Yet God chose to speak through it to redirect a prophet.
That’s humbling. It’s also empowering.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” — 1 Corinthians 1:27
God delights in using what the world overlooks. Don’t count yourself out because of your background, skill level, or personality. God can—and will—use unexpected people for His glory.
3. Lessons from the Donkey
Here are some takeaways that still speak volumes today.
A. Obedience Matters More Than Status
The donkey saw the angel. Balaam didn’t. Why? Because the donkey responded to God’s prompting.
- Balaam was a prophet, yet spiritually blind.
- The donkey was just a beast of burden, but it saw clearly.
Sometimes, those who seem the least likely to hear from God are the ones most in tune with Him. Obedience trumps status. Always.
B. God Speaks in Surprising Ways
We often expect God to speak through pastors, mentors, or books. But sometimes, He speaks through:
- Children
- Circumstances
- Mistakes
- Even unbelievers
Stay alert. Don’t limit God to your expectations.
C. Don’t Dismiss the Messengers
Balaam beat the donkey three times before listening. We do the same when we reject correction or refuse to consider an inconvenient truth.
Who have you dismissed because you didn’t like how the message came?
God might be trying to reach you through a friend, a stranger, or even a frustrating situation.
D. Pride Blocks Vision
Balaam was set on his journey, maybe thinking he was in control. His pride blinded him—literally. He couldn’t see what his donkey saw.
Pride keeps us from hearing God and recognizing His redirection.
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18
4. When You Feel Unqualified, Remember This
You might feel like the donkey sometimes:
- Ordinary
- Overlooked
- Unimportant
But in God’s hands, ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Moses had a stutter. David was a shepherd. Mary was a teenager. Peter was impulsive. Paul had a past.
Yet each of them played key roles in God’s plan.
The donkey’s job wasn’t to preach a sermon or start a movement. It was to stay faithful, to obey, and to keep walking—even when misunderstood.
That’s your job too: obey, show up, and let God handle the results.
5. What This Means for You
Let’s make this personal. Here’s what you can take away from this story and apply today.
A. Trust That God Can Use You
You don’t need a degree in theology or a perfect past. You just need a willing heart.
B. Stay Spiritually Alert
God is always speaking. Are you listening? Spend time in the Word. Pray. Listen more than you speak.
C. Be Willing to Speak, Even If It’s Awkward
The donkey spoke up when it mattered—even though it had never done that before.
You might be called to say something hard. To stand up. To warn someone. Don’t let fear stop you.
D. Let God Redirect You
If you’re going the wrong way, God will intervene. It may feel uncomfortable or even painful. But trust Him. He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
6. Final Thoughts: Unexpected Glory
God is not limited by our logic. He doesn’t follow our rules. He uses donkeys, fishermen, tax collectors, and even broken people to bring about His will.
If you’ve ever felt too broken, too ordinary, or too far gone—remember Balaam’s donkey.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” — Ephesians 3:20
Let that sink in.
God sees what you can’t. He speaks in ways you don’t expect. And He uses people the world overlooks—including you—to do things that bring Him glory.
Key Takeaways Recap
- God can use anyone—even a donkey.
- Obedience > status.
- Don’t dismiss strange or unlikely messengers.
- Pride blinds us to spiritual truth.
- Your job is to be faithful, not flashy.
Call to Action
Feeling unqualified? Good. That means you’re right where God can use you.
Start with a simple prayer today:
“Lord, I may not feel worthy, but I’m willing. Use me for Your glory, however You see fit.”
Then keep your eyes open. God might just speak through the unexpected.
And when He does—listen.
🔹 10 FAQs – Lessons from the Donkey: God Uses the Unexpected for His Glory
1. What is the main lesson from the story of Balaam’s donkey?
The main lesson is that God can use anyone or anything—even a donkey—to accomplish His will and bring glory to Himself. It’s a reminder to stay humble, listen, and stay open to God’s unexpected methods.
2. Where is the story of Balaam and the donkey in the Bible?
You’ll find the story in Numbers 22:21–33. It details how God used a donkey to speak and stop Balaam from going down a dangerous path.
3. Why did God use a donkey in Numbers 22?
God used the donkey because Balaam wasn’t listening to Him. The donkey could see the angel Balaam couldn’t, and God used it to get the prophet’s attention.
4. What does this story teach us about how God speaks?
It teaches us that God speaks in unexpected ways—through people, circumstances, and even interruptions. We need to stay spiritually alert to hear Him.
5. How does this story relate to God using the unexpected?
It shows that God often chooses what the world sees as weak or ordinary to display His power—whether it’s a donkey, a shepherd, or a fisherman.
6. Can God still use me if I feel unqualified?
Absolutely. The story proves that God doesn’t require perfection—He looks for obedience and willingness. He equips those He calls.
7. What’s the difference between being talented and being obedient to God?
Talent is great, but obedience matters more. Balaam was gifted but disobedient; the donkey was ordinary but followed God’s prompting.
8. What does Balaam’s donkey teach us about pride?
It warns us that pride can blind us, just like Balaam. Even with spiritual gifts, pride can keep us from seeing what God is doing.
9. Is this story relevant to Christians today?
Yes. It reminds believers today that God uses the unexpected and that we must stay alert and humble to hear His voice and follow His direction.
10. How can I be more open to how God wants to use me?
Start by praying for clarity, staying in the Word, and being open—even when God’s ways don’t make sense. Obedience and humility are key.
