Manger

Have you ever considered the manger?
Some crudely cut wood pieced together
used as a feed box for barnyard animals
was nothing extraordinary after all.

A lowly, humble, crude trough
made out of wood cut rough
to serve a purpose -
to hold hay was its use.

Nothing fancy about it, probably quite plain.
Perhaps not even chiseled with a plane.
Nothing that would garner attention -
except when dinnertime came.

But maybe there was something quite remarkable.
One, it was accessible and two, available.
It made a convenient bassinet or crib
for it would cradle a baby, it did.

The manger, a word heard once year
when reading the first Christmas story dear.
Though humble, this lowly manger,
would cradle the promised Savior.

It's purpose glorified that night
brought the shepherds delight
for just as the angel said
it was the Savior's bed.

In fact, "the King's bed",
it could be said.
God had a plan to turn what was humble, yet available,
into something extraordinarily wonderful!

* * * * *

Have you ever thought
you could never do that?
Is it because you feel insecure or inferior?
Perhaps lowly like the forgotten manger.

Do your anxieties hold you back?
Maybe it's confidence you lack?
Perhaps not speak in front of a crowd
because your knees would be knocking too loud.

Do you know God uses what's available
and He will give you grace that enables.
Do you suppose God could use someone like you
if you had the courage to ask Him to?

The Bible shows us God doesn't look at the outward stuff,
so if you think you're not thin enough or educated enough,
be aware God is more concerned about the attitude of your heart
than He is about status that you think might set someone apart.

Ask God to give you a testimony bold
and he will refine you as the choicest gold.
Notice God didn't chose the most gifted speakers
for God's Word records tongue-tied orators/preachers.

Moses and Jeremiah tried to bow out
when God surprisingly chose them to shout out
His message to His people -
their excuses being feeble.

God has a wonderful plan and purpose just for you.
All you need is to see yourself through God's loving view.
Like the manger, God has something wonderful waiting for you.
Ask God for His holy boldness then go out and share the Good News.

Luke 2:12

Exodus 4:10-12

Jeremiah 1:4-9

I Samuel 16:7

Acts 4:29

Jeremiah 29:11

I John 2:27