In The Stable Again

Last week found me again in the riding stable.  As I was praising God with my Christian trainer, my mind was filled with thoughts of Christmas.  I saw the plight of sinners caught in the grip of tradition, business, and vanity, waiting for a way out of the morass.  I thought of shepherds trying to stay warm and keep the sheep in place, doing a smelly, boring job.  I thought about a couple traveling a long way at an inconvenient time, because the ruler wanted to flex his muscles. I saw their worry and exhaustion as they sought shelter where none could be found.

 

Then I saw God leading a poor young couple a long way from home so The King would be born in the right place.  I saw him open the heart of an inn keeper to allow that couple the use of a warm and private resting place in his stable.  I saw angels coming in great joy to lowly, uneducated shepherds to announce the birth of The Redeemer of the whole earth.  I saw shepherds who understood it and ran to see The Redeemer.  How wonderful He was in a stable where they could feel at ease rushing in with their smells and dirt.  I saw a mother and father who obeyed God and allowed God to do this in their lives.

 

Lord, for Christmas this year I want you to give me the peace of the stable, the joy and voice of the angels, the awe and response of the shepherds, the obedience of Mary and Joseph.  Thank you God for Your indescribable Gift.

Miracles in the Stable

A couple of weeks ago I went for my weekly riding lesson at the Crane Riding Stable.  It was a beautiful day – sunny, blue skies, a little nip in the air, trees swaying in a gentle rhythm with the wind.  As I mounted my horse I felt excited.  I knew this would be a good lesson.  We started through our preliminary warm ups.  My horse was in good form, and ready to go.  I was in good form and ready to go.  My instructor gave the word to start the horse running, and the fun began.  We began running around the corral.  I was able to perfectly match rhythm with my horse and we were enjoying a near perfect ride.  I heard one of the staff yell, “Jeffrey, you are doing so great!”  After that I just concentrated on that riding.  I was busy offering this ride as a gift of praise to the Lord God who made me.  It was the most exhilarating ride I have experienced.  I gave it to God and experienced tremendous joy. When we stopped I was surprised to see most of the staff standing watching.  My mom said they gradually gathered with a quiet admiration.  We went on to the routine lesson, and the staff went on to their work.  Later, my former instructor who became a Christian through my non-verbal testimony, talked to my Mom.  She said she had prayed Jesus would come to the Crane Stable that day.  She thought maybe it would happen through the fine weather, but then Jeffrey came and Jesus filled that stable.  It seems it was another case of Jesus using what I was and my limitations to show His astounding glory.  I am humbled and amazed, but, then, this is not the first miracle to happen in a stable.

Amusement Parks and God's Kingdom

This week I had an opportunity to go to a park with my family and some friends.  This park had a portion set aside for an amusement park with rides. I always enjoy these kinds of rides.  This park, however, had some rules limiting rides disabled people could ride.  It was rather embarrassing and disappointing for me.  I know it made my parents angry. It was a form of discrimination.  While I felt frustrated and hurt by this, I determined to rise above this episode and enjoy myself.  As I thought about it I realized those park officials were imprisoned by their prejudice and narrow thinking.  I could choose to join them, or I could choose to be free and enjoy myself as God made me.  I did enjoy my day.  I chose act as an adult who was responsible and dignified all day, no matter what those park officials thought.  I am glad that God does not exclude us on the basis of our abilities or lack thereof.  When I accept God’s gift of salvation, I am not given partial participation rights because of my inabilities.  I can participate fully in God’s blessing.  The only limit I have is my own willingness to fully partake of what God so freely gives me.  Hmm….. Maybe I should choose to act as a responsible, dignified adult in God’s kingdom.

Trust and obey

Recently I took a vacation with my family.  We decided to walk just 600 meters to see a waterfall.  Hmm.... just 600 meters, I could do that.  Then we started encountering the rocky stream that interrupted the path.  At first it was not too bad, but by the third encounter I had to take my shoes and socks off to navigate.  Then my father took charge.  He investigated crossings and rocks himself while I waited.  Then, he told me where to put my foot. He told me when to wait and when to proceed.  He told me where to put my foot. I learned something very valuable.  You have to discern the voice of the Father from all the voices around you, giving you an opinion.  Then you must listen to what the Father is saying.  You have to process the information.  The next step is to trust the Father.  It might look like the rock over there is better for a stepping stone, but if the Father says this one, His choice is always better than my inadequate perception of what is best.  Now comes the proof of the trust and that is obeying the Father.  If I did not take this final action I would still be standing barefoot in icy water.  By doing this I was able to keep my shoes on and safely make the journey to and from the waterfalls.  This was certainly an achievement for me as I still struggle with balance.  It was also a lesson in my faith as I realized my Heavenly Father is doing the same guidance and care of me as my earthly father.  I must follow those same steps to safe navigation of everyday life.  Discern, listen, trust and obey.

Rain outside Sunshine inside

Today begins a new chapter in my life as I begin to blog.  I am looking out my window at gloom and rain. (not something new) In my heart is joy and sunshine because “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” That comes from my verse for the year, Psalm 139:14.  Verse 16 is great encouragement, too.  “¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” That gives me great encouragement as I meditate on it.  Before I was born God knew what my days would hold.  He made me, he planned my life.  Best of all, He did not just make me, plan my days and then leave me to fend for myself.  He holds me in His hands and cares about each aspect of my life, every minute detail!  Hallelujah!  I have been born with autism which is a challenge, but when I remember I was purposefully made, I must conclude the autism is part of the purpose.  That makes it look a little different.  Rather than feel sorry for myself I need to rejoice and bring glory to God.  Well, that is the goal, but not always attained.  It is easier stated on paper or in a blog than played out in the day to day existence.  So today I will practice focusing on the Creator who is still shaping me for his purpose.

 

Jeffrey Hill

October 3,2009