I started this Lenten focus on faithfulness on Ash Wednesday.  I was overwhelmed with details about many things.  It was a sure sign I had an under-appreciation for the faithfulness of God.  So like any writer worth their next key stroke, I sought to explore what I had sorely missed.

I challenged a few others to join me in sharing about His faithfulness.

We aimed for the significant. Together, we shared how real life tragedies and trials resulted in a well-worn faith that allowed Him to be seen.

The topics of child molestation, divorce, financial hardship and failing health formed the back drop for our discussion.  Each week we tackled these questions about our respective experiences:

How would you describe your faith walk or view of God before your pain appeared?

What surprised you the most about this season of your life?

Who or what did God use to teach you about (or remind you of) His faithfulness and love?

How does God use your story to encourage others?

How do you desire to demonstrate faithfulness in your walk with God?

These questions may shape your story too.

But as we turn our eyes toward Holy Week (from Palm Sunday to Easter), I have another story to share. This one is found in Mark 11:1-11.

It was at the time of the Passover – the Jewish observance of God delivering the Israelites as death “passed over” them in Egypt.  Jesus gives two of His disciples instructions to prepare for His triumphant entry into Jerusalem:

 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door.  As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it.  Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.

I like these two disciples. They have an eye (and an ear) for details.

They did what Jesus told them to do.

They said what Jesus told them to say.

And they were permitted to take what He sent them to get.

Then they brought the results to Jesus. In this case it was a young donkey and it was used for what Christ had in mind all along.

Are there details in our lives waiting for us to do or say what Jesus told us to do or say?

It may be something from our past, a dilemma in our present or concern about the future. His answers are found in the bible. We become more attuned to His voice as we commit to be His followers too.

As we bring our lives to Him, if a doubtful voice inside us or around us asks, “What are you doing?” Just say, “The Lord needs it and will return it soon.”

He will prune anything that hinders who He calls us to be. (John 15:1-5)

He knows things that we don’t. He loves us more than we can comprehend.(Ephesians 3:19-21)

We are permitted to have His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

We are permitted to experience His power (2 Peter 1:3).

And when He returns what we’ve given to Him, it will be used for what He has in mind.

The details of our lives are important; but they are not in charge. God is. And He is Faithful. Now that’s a detail that brings hope for the heart and joy to the soul.