Curveballs

Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said to Moses, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right…” – Numbers 27:5-7(ESV).

A “Curveball” is something unexpected and difficult to deal with that changes a situation.

Sometimes when life throws us a curveball we accept it, deal with it and move on – we take it on the chin so to say.

There are times when we see a curveball coming our way and we need to be prepared to reject it especially if it negatively or adversely impacts our life. Sometimes fear holds us back from rejecting unpleasant or unfavourable situations, with the notion that things could have been worse. Or we don’t want to be seen to be rocking the boat or causing an uproar. We prefer to maintain the status quo!

However, the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27 saw a curveball coming their way. They knew it wasn’t right and prepared themselves to reject it. In this case the law stated that possession of land was only meant to be inherited by sons and where there were no sons – like in the case of Zelophehad- the land was passed to relatives. 

The daughters saw the implication and the negative impact of this law on them, mainly being left without an inheritance. They also seem to have learnt from past events; “‘Our father died in the wilderness,’ they said. ‘He was not among Korah’s followers, who rebelled against the Lord; he died because of his own sin. But he had no sons.’”  Numbers 27:3 (NLT)

They understood the consequences of gathering against God, thereby taking steps to ensure they weren’t doing the same thing.  They took their complaint through the right channel and to the right person – Moses. And Moses, took their complaint to God. God was on the side of the daughters of Zelophehad, saying their complaint was justified and legitimate.

The actions and decision of these women to challenge the law was very brave. In a patriarchal and male dominated society, they didn’t just accept the situation but sought to change it legally and through the right channels.

When situations go wrong in your life do you take your case to the right person? Or do you get depressed, complain, moan or ignore it until it gets out of control? Is God your last resort or first point of call?

The daughters of Zelophehad might not have known how to approach God directly but they knew the person who could on their behalf. And thank God, because Jesus has given us that privilege to boldly approach the throne of Grace.

We can also learn from King Hezekiah, the Prophet Isaiah told him to put his affairs in order because he was going to die. Then the Bible says, “Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayer to the Lord…” 2 Kings 20:2 (ESV)

There was no hesitation on Hezekiah’s part and the Prophet was most likely still in his presence and could have made his request through Isaiah. Instead, he approached God directly and God overturned His decision and added another 15 years to the King’s life.

At some point in our life, we will have to deal with a “curveball” situation. As Christians, it is imperative that we don’t allow depression, complaint, dejection and frustration to set in. Let us not ignore it but resolve to talk about it with our leaders and especially talk to God about the matter.

“…But the people that know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32 (NKJV)

Stay blessed,

LaraLex