I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. — Isaiah 61:10, AMPC

For a New Year’s Eve service, I was in the bathroom at a church and had dressed in a lovely tunic emblazoned with many small “diamonds” on the front and the sleeves that sparkled in the light. I had even put on fake nails that I’d bought months before for a special occasion.

I was celebrating the anointed words we would hear from a highly anointed apostle that I knew heard from the LORD. I was excited about what King Jesus would say and do–and what His Spirit would tell us about 2019. I had dressed up to celebrate Him and had even put on comfortable black boots with low heels. The Spirit of God had led me to dance at the altar for Him many times, and I sensed tonight would be no different.

A more mature woman came in the bathroom and “complimented” my outfit. It sounded nice, but I sensed something not pure about it.

The enemy loves to try to create offense and distract us, especially when the LORD is doing great things. I was so glad I had prayed and worshiped before the service, and the wisdom of the LORD came out of my mouth. Probably, things had been hard financially for this woman and her missionary husband, and only the LORD knew the sacrifices they had made. Although she always seemed well dressed, there may have been a dart thrown at her about clothing, or something else.

The LORD helped me to take no offense, although I was aware of the potential for it. The LORD put His words of grace in my mouth. “I’m love it when people give me clothes,” I responded, and smiled. “I’ve sown clothing for years, and now it’s coming back to me!”

I have heard from many well-known preachers of the Word that even fellow believers are not always glad when we their brothers and sisters in Christ prosper. I used to have that challenge too. It’s called envy!

The LORD tells us to be content with those things that we have, for He will never leave us nor forsake us. Hallelujah! He says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” — Hebrews 13:5, ESV

He also tells us to not compare ourselves to others; that is never wise!

LORD, help us to set our minds on things above, and rejoice when others in the Royal Family prosper, in Jesus’ Name!

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.