We often expect God to speak through familiar, “holy” channels, the pastor, a prophet, or a clearly spiritual person. But what if God’s voice comes from an unexpected source?
What if divine wisdom arrives wrapped in a humble servant’s words, an animal’s warning, or even a stranger’s advice?
The Bible is full of stories reminding us that God speaks beyond our expectations, and listening with humility and discernment can save us from pride, mistakes, and destruction.
Take the story of Balaam in Numbers 22:21-33.
Balaam, a prophet, was hired to curse Israel but God opposed this mission. As Balaam set out, God sent an angel to block his path, but Balaam couldn’t see it. Instead, his donkey sensed danger and refused to move forward.
Frustrated, Balaam beat the donkey, until miraculously, the donkey “spoke” to him.
At that moment, Balaam’s eyes were opened to the angel’s presence, and his life was saved.
Balaam’s story highlights a key danger: pride can blind us to God’s voice when it doesn’t come how or from whom we expect. We can be so certain of our own path that we miss divine correction.
Other Bible examples echo this truth:
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Naaman’s Servants: In 2 Kings 5, the powerful commander Naaman initially rejects the prophet Elisha’s simple instructions to wash in the Jordan River. It’s only after his servants encourage him to obey that he humbles himself and is healed.
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Samuel and Eli: Young Samuel hears God’s voice at night, but Eli the priest doesn’t immediately recognize it or respond. This passive response leads to tragedy in Eli’s family.
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The Thief on the Cross: Even a dying criminal’s declaration of faith was enough for Jesus to promise paradise. God’s voice and truth can come through the lowliest and most unexpected people.
In our own lives, God might speak through unexpected people; a coworker’s advice, a stranger’s warning, or even a quiet conviction in our hearts. Pride tempts us to dismiss these voices because they don’t fit our expectations or come from official “channels.”
But God’s wisdom calls us to listen actively, discern carefully, and respond humbly.
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Proverbs 12:15 warns, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
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James 1:19 encourages us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.”
Rejecting correction or wise counsel because of pride is dangerous. It can cost us relationships, opportunities, or even our spiritual lives.
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Stay Humble: Be willing to hear God’s voice from unexpected sources, even if it challenges your plans or pride.
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Discern Wisely: Not every voice is from God, but wise people test what they hear and hold on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21).
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Act Promptly: Hearing is not enough. God’s message often calls for action, as Moses showed when he stopped to listen to the burning bush (Exodus 3).
God is not limited by our expectations. Whether through a donkey, a servant, or a dying thief, He can speak wisdom that changes lives. Our challenge is to listen beyond ourselves, beyond pride, and beyond what seems “normal.”
In doing so, we gain wisdom that leads to life.
Happy Sunday.
Born as Titilayo Oladimeji, I have been known by the nickname Titipetral for nearly two decades. I am a Financial Advisor at a reputable financial institution in Lagos, Nigeria, with over 10 years of experience in Financial Advisory and Credit Analysis. I am also an author and the founder of Titipetral Publishers, a duly registered publishing company.
In addition, I lead the Titipetral Empowerment and Development Network (TEDN), a duly registered philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls, boys, women, and men in the Alimosho area, Nigeria’s most populated local government, focusing on serving the underserved.
For inquiries or collaboration, you can reach me at Titilayooladimeji@titipetral.com or titipetral@gmail.com.