If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.
Luke 19:31
God's requests often come at unexpected moments, asking for things we hold dear. Have you ever had that sudden feeling when God points to something in your life and whispers, "I need that"? Those moments can catch us off guard. Maybe it's the money you saved for something unique. Perhaps it's your time when you're already busy. Or it could be a talent you've kept hidden. When Jesus sent His disciples to get the colt, He didn't ask for something easy or worthless – He asked for something valuable.
Everything we possess is actually on loan from God in the first place. Think about it – your skills, money, time, and stuff – none of it truly belongs to you. When David prepared materials for the temple, he powerfully recognized this truth. "Everything comes from you," he prayed, "and we have given you only what comes from your hand." I struggle with this sometimes. I work hard for what I have, and it feels like mine. But deep down, I know every breath I take is a gift from God.
The words "The Lord needs it" carried special weight that made the owner release their valuable animal immediately. What power those simple words held! Imagine someone coming to your house saying, "The Lord needs your business" or "The Lord needs your savings." Would you hand them over right away? The colt owner did. No questions, no delay, no paperwork. Just immediate release. Those four words – "The Lord needs it" – changed everything for them. They're still life-changing words today.
God is still speaking those words over parts of our lives, waiting for our response. Right now, He might be pointing to something specific in your life. Can you feel it? That gentle tug on your heart about something you're holding onto? Maybe it's a relationship that's become an idol. Or a comfortable habit that's keeping you from serving. Or money that could help someone in need. God never asks randomly – He always has a more significant purpose than you can see.
Our hesitation reveals what we truly believe about who owns our lives. Why do we pause when God says, "I need that"? Let's be honest – it's because we forget who owns everything. I've thought, "But God, I earned this!" or "I've waited so long for this!" My hesitation exposes my heart. When I truly believe everything belongs to God, giving becomes simply returning what was already His. The tight feeling in my stomach when God asks for something shows me where my trust still needs to grow.
The colt owner couldn't see the full picture, but their quick response enabled God's plan to unfold. Think about this person's perspective. All they knew was that some strangers wanted to take their valuable animal. They couldn't see the prophecy being fulfilled. They couldn't hear the coming "Hosannas!" Yet they still said yes. Most times, God won't show us the full movie of how He'll use what we give. He asks us to trust the Director enough to play our part. Your released possession might become someone else's miracle.
What's the "colt" in your life right now that Jesus is asking you to release? Take a moment and be honest with yourself. What's that thing you feel God pointing to, saying, "I need that"? Is it your plan for the future? Your comfort zone? What is your favorite hobby that takes up all of your free time? Your college savings? Your retirement security? Your reputation among friends? Your ministry? Whatever it is, God isn't trying to take something from you – He's trying to give something through you.
Your surrender might be the missing piece that enables someone else to see Jesus clearly. That colt became the vehicle that carried Christ in His most public declaration as Messiah. What if the owner had said no? How might that have changed the picture of Palm Sunday? I'm sure God would have found another colt owner more willing to let his prized colt go. But he would have missed the opportunity to be part of God's plan. Your obedience matters more than you know. The time you give to mentor that difficult kid, the money you donate when it's tight, and the comfort you sacrifice to serve might be exactly how someone else gets their clearest view of Jesus.
Godseekers, the scariest surrenders often lead to the greatest kingdom celebrations. The question isn't if God will ask for something, but when and how we'll respond. Make no mistake – at some point, God will point to something you value and say, "I need that." It's not a matter of if, but when. At that moment, everything hangs on your response. Will you hesitate, negotiate, and reluctantly give only part of what He asks? Or will you immediately release it, trusting that the God who gave it all to you in the first place has purposes higher than your plans? The God who gave His only Son for you can be trusted with whatever He asks.
Prayer
Dear Father, forgive me for the times I've clutched tightly what You've entrusted me. Help me see everything in my life as Yours, not mine. When you say "I need that," give me a heart that responds with immediate joy, not reluctant duty. Remove my fear of loss and replace it with excitement for how You might use what I surrender. Thank You for the example of those who gave immediately when You asked. Make me that kind of follower – open-handed and quick to obey. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What am I currently holding most tightly in my life, and how would I feel if God asked for it today?
- When was I last sensed God asking for something, and how did I respond? What did that reveal about my trust level?
Step of Faith
Today, I will identify one thing I've been reluctant to surrender to God and take a concrete step to release it, trusting that His purposes are greater than my plans.
