When Unstable, Remember the Stable
by Amarilys Rassler
My heart flutters, while in church, at the words of my pastor’s sermon.
“When unstable, remember the stable.”
My thoughts spin, transporting me to Bethlehem. I envision the stable with its smells, devoid of earthly comforts, without warm welcomes or offers of help for the two forlorn travelers. I hold my breath; see myself standing on musty hay, the ground spotted with animal droppings. I hear brayings that clash with the desperate moans of a mother in labor. What a difficult place. Fertile ground for Satan to come thrusting darts of doubt.
“Remember the stable,” the pastor repeats.
My imagination runs movie-like. I watch the baby asleep in the manger as his earthly parents face the unknown of many tomorrows. Their godly perseverance, patience, and courage paints a canvas framed in obedience. Faith, reflected in our nativity scenes, lasting through the ages.
I think about my life as a writer and the difficulties it brings. It requires patience, perseverance, obedience, critique from others, editing, study to improve my craft and practicing marketing skills. I write, praying and hoping to touch hearts, never knowing if I’ll earn rejection or success. And when the blessings of an award or publication come, Satan rapidly sneaks up on me.
“Don’t think you will do this again,” he whispers. “Give up, give up, give up.”
The service concludes. My husband’s hand wraps around mine. I close my eyes and bring back images of the manger. The baby stirs within swaddling cloth. A warm, soothing joy rises in me. Fresh thoughts surface. I know what will be at the top of my January, 2019, journal page. When unstable, not only remember the stable, but the child, Jesus, who became your Savior, always faithful, present and able.
Dear Jesus, help me to start 2019, our coming new year, remembering you and the stable. Let me not forget the shadow of the cross upon you, even while you lay in the manger, and your great love for me. Please help me to write for you. Let me be as Joseph and Mary, a tool in our Father’s hand to bring your presence into the world. In your name I pray, dear Savior, Amen.
Amarilys Rassler is the author of Cuban-American, Dancing On The Hyphen, a book used by Oregon State University, and the inspirational book, The Chairs. She is currently finishing her memoir, Beyond The Veil, Encountering Demons, about surviving demonic oppression. Amarilys shares her testimony and speaks on spiritual warfare with the Body of Christ. You may contact Amarilys through Facebook or write an email to: amarilysrassler@gmail.com