April 19: The Transformed Donkey: Living Our Calling

In a Nutshell

This week, reflecting on “Donkeys for Jesus,” we’ve journeyed from feeling overlooked yet seen by God (Mon), to being untied for His purpose (Tue), exchanging our heavy burdens for His rest (Wed), realizing our honor comes from carrying His presence (Thu), and remembering the ultimate sacrifice that makes it all possible (Fri). Today, we embrace the call to live as transformed people, carrying His presence into the world.

Anchor Verse

Romans 12:2 (NIV): “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Unpacking the Word

Our week began contemplating the humble donkey – seemingly ordinary, perhaps stubborn, definitely a burden-bearer. Yet, this creature was specifically chosen by the King (Monday). We saw how Jesus desires to untie us from everything that holds us back, not just for relief, but for His divine purpose (Tuesday). This freedom involves a beautiful exchange: handing over our anxieties and stresses to receive His soul-rest and manageable yoke (Wednesday).

We then considered the garments placed on the donkey, reminding us that our true significance and honor derive not from ourselves, but from being clothed in His righteousness and praise, carrying His presence into the world (Thursday). All of this – the choosing, the untying, the exchange, the clothing – finds its ultimate meaning and power in the sacrifice Jesus willingly made, the destination of His Jerusalem journey (Friday).

So, what now? We are called to live as transformed donkeys. The donkey that carried Jesus wasn’t the same afterwards; it had participated in a royal procession, hosted the King of Kings. Likewise, encountering Jesus, being set free by Him, and understanding His sacrifice should change us fundamentally. As Romans 12:2 urges, we are not to conform to the world’s patterns (of self-reliance, pride, worry, seeking worldly honor) but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

This transformation enables us to discern and do God’s will, as Pastor Reuben highlighted when discussing Matthew 7. It’s not just about performing religious acts, but about knowing the Father’s heart, hearing His voice, and walking in obedience fueled by love and gratitude. A renewed mind sees burdens as opportunities to trust, weaknesses as platforms for God’s strength, and daily life as a chance to carry His presence.

Living as a “donkey for Jesus” today means embracing our God-given identity: chosen, freed, burden-lifted, clothed in Him. It means consciously rejecting the pull towards self-importance or crippling insecurity. It means allowing His presence within us to guide our steps, shape our responses, and overflow into the lives of others. It’s about humbly carrying the King, letting His light shine through our ordinary lives, and pointing others towards the One who brings true transformation and hope. Let’s walk in that calling today.

Pause and Reflect

• Looking back over the week’s themes (chosen, freed, burden-exchanged, clothed, redeemed), which aspect resonated most deeply with you and why?
• How does the call to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” connect with the journey from being a ‘tied-up donkey’ to one carrying the King?
• In what practical ways can you live out your calling to “carry His presence” in your interactions and activities today?

Faith in Action

• Review your notes or reflections from the week. Identify one key takeaway and pray about how to integrate it more fully into your life starting today.
• Practice “mind renewal”: When a negative or worldly thought pattern arises (e.g., worry, comparison, pride), consciously replace it with a truth from this week’s devotionals or Scripture (e.g., “I am chosen,” “His yoke is easy,” “My worth is in Christ”).
• Look for an opportunity today to serve someone humbly, seeing it as an act of “carrying Jesus” to them through kindness or help.

A Moment With God

Pray for ongoing transformation. Ask the Holy Spirit to continue renewing your mind so you can better discern and follow God’s will. Thank Him for the privilege of being chosen and used by Him, and ask for grace to carry His presence faithfully today.

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