I attended a secular high-school right when everything was changing. Good girls “did” and marijuana was the common center of parties. Even though I ran with the popular crowd, because of a combination of good parenting and God’s mercy I escaped the drug and sexual revolution unscathed . Half-way through high-school I had an encounter with Jesus that propelled me into radical commitment. My baptism in the Holy Spirit gave me the power to be fearless about sharing Jesus with the football players and cheerleaders who were the “in crowd” in my small town America. I quickly realized God’s Word and prayer were the only constant support system I would have on a daily basis. That was my first step into becoming a “self-feeding” Christian; I would get up an hour earlier than needed to read my Bible and pray so I would have the power to face high school. One of the most powerful memories I have in life is the revival that spread through our high school. Over 70 kids gave their lives to the Lord!

It was during this time I fell madly in love with the Word. I still have my first Bible. It was red, and the verses I underlined in those morning devotions and study hall represent my lifeline during that season of life. It still is my lifeline. Living life as a single person, there are many days when I simply need a Word from God to make the next decision or to find hope in a lonely moment.

My favorite thing about the Word of God is no matter how many times you read it, something new stands out to you. That is because it is alive! Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

A scripture that I have either read or heard countless times stood out to me this week. In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the disciples to go fetch a donkey and her colt for Him. His instructions to the disciples were “…and if any man say no unto you, say the Lord hath need of them.”

I have heard it said that Jesus doesn’t need us…we need Him. I think He needs us. If He needed something as functional and basic as a donkey and her colt, He needs our everyday life. This colt was used to bring about God’s will. I love the line, “…say the Lord hath need of them.”

We need the Holy Spirit’s power to help us stay in touch with the idea that “God hath need of us.” Our everyday lives are as basic and common as a donkey in those days, and He hath need of us. What part of your life does He have need of today? What element of your life does Jesus need to use today to bring about His plan? There is nothing fancy or intelligent about a donkey and her colt. But He had need of them. God wants to use the common parts of you to orchestrate His plan for your family, your job, your neighborhood, your city, your county and your church.

That donkey’s basic and uncomplicated “job” was to let the King of Kings ride her. Something it was born to do – something it had probably done its whole life – not a new skill or talent. But it played a strategic role in fulfilling prophecy which we know is a marvelous support for our faith.

Zechariah 9:9
9 Rejoice, O people of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
He is righteous and victorious,
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.

He hath need of our commonness. He hath need of our availability. He hath need of our surrender.

He hath need of us.

Phyllis