Stable

 STABLE

Sawn from rough-hewn wood

to house cattle it would

one starry night host a guest

that the world could never guess.

Did the innkeeper realize

or was he in for a surprise?

This stable in which donkeys and cows

daily sought shelter and bedded down

was loaned to God one wondrous night

to Joseph and Mary, his wife.

Did the cattle realize

or were they in for a surprise?

This lowly stable though crudely made

is where the shepherds found Jesus laid

in a manger box -

the cattle's feeding trough.

Did the manger realize

or was it in for a surprise?

You see, the world expected a King

born in pomp and circumstance to bring

salvation to the world,

not Jesus Christ the Lord

born in a humble stable

shared with barnyard animals.

His birth, quite remarkable,

with wonder filled that stable,

was rejected by the curious

and even made others furious.

So many curious never realized

and would be in for a bigger surprise.

Messiah was born that night

in a stable filled with delight

for when the shepherds entered in

that stable there by the inn

they found their Savior

who would bring favor.

They were in for a surprise

and that wonder and surprise

became their bold testimony

still today making history

as they went and told

so the whole world would know.

* * * * *

That little unpretentious stable by the inn

housed the One who provides stability within.

Good news! With God in you

your life is stable too

for God will remain steadfast

despite whatever comes to pass.

God can use the mundane

to bring praise to His name.

Never think God can't use you

for your life has worth and value.

God has for you a unique plan and purpose

and He's preparing you for the Master's use.

Sometimes God uses the pain of humbling

to prepare you for good that's someday coming.

Learn to ask "what is God teaching me"?

Seeking God will provide stability.

It takes faith to realize.

You'll be in for a surprise!

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

The God of all grace,

who called you to his eternal glory in Christ...

will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

I Peter 5:10

He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

Psalm 25:9

(God) gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6