Unload the Saddles

The eye of the needle was a small door within a larger gate that protected a city. Because of the manual power it required to operate these massive gates, when the Sun was setting, the gates would shut and not be opened again until morning.

For an evening traveler, the only way they could enter the city walls, was to go through the eye of the needle. To make this possible, they would take their camel and have it get on its knees. Then they would unload the saddle from off its back and push it through this smaller door. This was the only way the camel could fit, since it was taller than the door itself. 

Notice, the camel had to get on its knees and then be unloaded off the saddle to go through the eye of the needle.

This is a powerful picture for us today regarding God over money. This is what Jesus said when He addressed a young rich man who traded a life following Jesus, for the money he had. In response to the young man’s decision, this is what Jesus said.

22. But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!

Matthew‬ ‭19:22-24

In these verses we see a picture of how we can navigate our money and be protected.

First, it’s not wrong being rich. Money is not the problem. It’s what we do with it and it’s how we handle it. God will bless us and when we operate under God’s principles, we can have what He promises.

The content of these verses is showing us how a rich man and quite frankly, any man can enter the eye of the needle. After all, we are walking through a dark world and we need the protection by God.

Second, we must get on our knees. There’s something about getting on our knees and praying. It speaks of humility and our dependency on God. He can do what we can’t and prayer not only changes things around us, but it also changes things within us. 

I encourage you, pray daily and pray about whatever is on your heart. He cares about it (see Psalms 37:23).

Third, unload the saddles we’re carrying. When it comes to money, there are plenty of saddles we carry. Doubt, fear, distrust, mismanagement, greed, pride, selfishness, excuses, jealousy and disappointment. 

These are some of the saddles we carry; however, to go through the eye of the needle, we must unload these saddles. We must lay it down and go through the open door.

God has called us to lay down these saddles and do money God’s way. This deals with our attitude about money, how we manage it, giving in tithes and offerings, being generous and proving God’s blessings.

But these things are hindered when we refuse to unload the saddles we carry about money.

Therefore, I encourage you to lay down these saddles and let God have this area of your heart. See what Jesus can do when you let Him have your heart. In fact, He says to prove Him in this area and see what He will do.

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” ‬ 

Malachi‬ ‭3:10

So, what saddles are you carrying?

Whatever it is, please lay it down. It’s too heavy to carry and it’s keeping you from going through the eye of the needle. This is your time to see what God can do for you, through you and with you for today and for future generations.

If Jesus cares about every aspect of our lives, then money is included. So why not let Him have this area and show what He can do. If we trust Him to save us, heal us and make us new, can’t we trust Him with our money too?

This is your moment to unload the saddles you’re carrying and let Jesus free you of this burden. 

God has Great things for you and the best is yet to come.

PD