My Stable Moment

Last month, my pastor gave a Christmas message title, “When You Follow a Star and Get a Stable,” following the journey of the wise men from the East to find the appointed Messiah that they had researched. Their guide was a simple star cast in the heavens, leading them on a journey. I am not sure what thoughts these men had as they pursued their findings. Did they believe they would find a strong warrior, dressed to call forth a mighty army to overthrow the vise of Roman oppression? Did they think they would find a commanding king, enthroned in beauty, riches and authority, to claim His kingdom from His enemies who had enslaved His people for hundreds of year?

Yet when they arrived in Jerusalem and then were sent to Bethleham, they found a simple baby, one who could not talk, could not walk, could not command release for His people. They found not a warring King but a baby who needed constant care for His welfare. The site of his appearance was not a majestic palace or wealthy house, but a simple, quiet and stinky stable. They followed a star with high dreams and hopes of what may be, but at the end of that journey, they only found a simple stable. The thought my pastor presented was this: how often do we follow God’s star, with high hopes and expectations for prosperity and favor only to find a simple, lonely, stinky stable at the end.

The past three weeks have been a major stable moment for my parents and me. What else could it be? Eight years ago, my parents purchased a home that they believed would be the final home of their lives. They had such hopes for this house. A few years ago I joined them in calling this house my home, so the events that have occurred I claim as my own. The events resonate deeply in me just as it does with my parents. They cut deep. They hurt. They confused me. They brought a fog into my life. They raised questions. They caused a journey I did not choose. Yet they happened anyway.

For the past five months, my parents have been battling the bank in regards to their mortgage. A decision that was unilaterally made by the bank has wrecked havoc on our lives. A decision that may seem so simple on a paper cause tidal waves of issues in us. A decision that had no options of recovery was prolonged through empty promises, constant confusing information, and no human contact. Until, the final letter was delivered. And we were forced to see our stable.

Coming home after a wonderful Christmas holiday, we were riding the emotions of that week. I had barely unpacked my suitcase and was settling back into my room, when my mother walked in my room, holding a piece a paper, and with tears in her eyes, she stated, “It’s over. We have lost our home.” The bank was choosing foreclosure. Our stable was looking gloomy, and I did not want to be there. All I could do was cry a simple call,” God help us!”

Two days after this letter was read, I researched house rentals in my town. I found a website and took a look at this one house. After looking at the pictures, I ran downstairs and told my parents that I had found our new house. Dad went online and filled out the rental agreement. Granted, I really was only doing this to cheer everyone up, to give my parents a bit of good news that we had options in this tough time.

Our stable stunk. It was not fun. We did not like it. The stable wore at our love and patience for each other. I had no idea if we could even get this house. I just wanted to give a bit of hope. Yet in that moment, something showed up. Something maybe a bit dim at the time, but it showed up anyway. Now comes our star. Our new journey.

Within one week, my parents were approved for the house. One week after that we moved into the new house, site unseen. My father found a moving company that moved us in six hours and saved us money in the process. This new home is beautiful and amazing. Financially, it is a huge blessing. We are truly blessed to have found this home. We truly believe that all that has occurred was no shock to God. He walked with us the entire time. I am also walking in the understanding that this event has a greater design than just this house. I do not know what tomorrow may bring, but I know that God has greater plans for my family that probably could not exist with the other house. He needed my family where they are.

Thinking back on my pastor’s message, I remember him stating that in the stable, I can find Jesus. And it is true. Even if the wise men expected a palace, they were not looking for a building. They were looking for a person, a messiah. They still found him. In our stable, I found Jesus once again. I found His light and peace to face this stinging rejection. I rediscovered His faithfulness and provision. I found Him waiting for me to just rest with him. This time has been uncomfortable but restful. The great news, my stable is not the end. It is just a stop. Now we have a new star. A new journey. And I am ready to take a step forward.