“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.”

 

– Luke 19:30 (NIV)

When God Picks a Donkey Instead of a Stallion

Let’s be real: if we were writing the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem, we probably would’ve gone big. A white stallion. Trumpets. A chariot with flames on the wheels. Maybe even a drone shot.

But nope. Jesus asked for a donkey. Not a polished warhorse, not a royal steed. A humble, untrained donkey.

Now let’s pause. The King of Kings, Savior of the world, chose to ride into His triumphal entry on a creature known for being… well, stubborn, smelly, awkward, and anything but majestic. And yet, that donkey was part of the plan.

And maybe you need to hear this today:

God still uses donkeys.

The Resume You Don’t Need

We live in a world obsessed with qualifications, blue checks, and highlight reels. Even in ministry, we start thinking we need a certain pedigree to be useful:

• A degree in theology

• A perfect past

• A squeaky-clean testimony

• A LinkedIn profile that screams “executive pastor meets leadership guru”

But God has a long history of using the unqualified:

• Moses had a speech problem

• Gideon was hiding in a winepress

• Ruth was a foreigner

• David was the runt of the litter

• Mary was a teenage girl

• Peter had a foot-shaped mouth

And the donkey? It had never been ridden.

Yet Jesus said, “That one. Bring me that one.”

If You Feel Overlooked, You Might Be Right on Time

That donkey had been tied up. Waiting. Probably wondering if its life had any meaning at all.

Ever felt like that?

Tied to a job you hate. Tied to a past mistake. Tied to a town that feels too small. Tied to a label someone else gave you. Tied to the belief that you’re not the “churchy type.”

But the moment Jesus needed a ride into destiny, He sent for the donkey. Not after it had training. Not after it had time to clean up. Just as it was.

That donkey was chosen because it was available.

And that’s still the requirement today. Not brilliance. Not polish. Availability.

You Don’t Have to Understand the Assignment to Be Part of It

Here’s something wild: that donkey probably didn’t know it was carrying Jesus.

It didn’t know it was walking into prophecy.

It didn’t understand the hosannas or palm branches or the weight of the moment.

It just walked. It showed up. It carried what it was told to carry.

Some of us are so focused on understanding the plan that we forget the most powerful thing we can do is simply obey.

You don’t need to see the whole road to carry the King.

God Doesn’t Need Stars. He Uses Servants.

In the kingdom of God, status means nothing. Servanthood means everything.

That donkey didn’t need applause. It didn’t stop mid-parade to pose for photos. It didn’t try to outrun the plan or change the route.

It carried Jesus.

Your calling may not look flashy. It may not be livestreamed. It might be leading your family, showing up faithfully at a job nobody celebrates, praying behind the scenes, serving in ways that don’t make headlines.

But heaven notices.

The King notices.

What Are You Tied To?

Let’s not skip this: before the donkey was used, it had to be untied.

Some of us are still tied to shame.

Some are bound by fear, doubt, pride, or perfectionism.

But Jesus doesn’t tell the disciples to leave the donkey tied up and go find a better one. He says, “Untie it and bring it to me.”

What if today is your untying moment?

What if the thing holding you back isn’t your lack of ability, but your refusal to believe He could use you as you are?

He can. He does. He will.

Stop Waiting to Look Worthy

Donkeys aren’t impressive. But they are steady. And useful. And chosen.

God isn’t waiting for you to look worthy. He’s looking for you to say, “Yes, Lord.”

When you do, you become the carrier of something greater than yourself. You don’t have to be impressive when the One you carry is.

So stop doubting. Stop disqualifying yourself. Stop comparing yourself to stallions and start carrying the Savior.

Because you? You were picked on purpose.

You are the donkey He chose.

And He’s not changing His mind.

Questions for Your Mirror Moment

What do I feel “tied” to right now?

Where have I been waiting for permission instead of saying “yes”?

Am I trying to look impressive instead of being available?

Do I trust God can use me even when I don’t feel ready?

Write it down. Pray it through. Don’t rush it.

You were made to carry something holy.