I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. --Isaiah 61:10, NIV

What should I wear? I thought, looking in my closet. It's a new year, and better yet, a new decade! 

I considered several outfits. Who really cares, anyway? But shouldn't I wear all new things for the new year?

I settled on a brand new sparkly top that my dear older sister in Christ had given me, fresh from the store, tags still on it.  I figured it would be cold in the sanctuary, since several visitors from out of town would be there today. 

Then I put on one of my favorite pantsuits, a very nice cloth in dark blue, that the same sister in Christ had given me about 8 years ago.  It was a classic cut, so I wasn't concerned about whether it was out of style. 

Okay, so I have "old" on the outside, but new underneath, I thought.  That'll work. 

Hmmm. I'd been fasting and otherwise cutting calories, and the pants were too big around the waist. But it was almost time for me to leave, because I'd promised to give a younger sister a dress today, before service. 

I hope these pants don't drag too low, although they shouldn't with my heels, but I need to get out the door instead of taking time to pin them up, I thought. I should have moved the button farther away. But I'm determined to get to worship practice before it starts this year!

I really wasn't concerned about that anyway, and didn't keep up with the trends. I felt comfortable in the suit and decided that, even if it was 35 degrees outside, I would wear my matching blue heels and hose. 

It doesn't matter that I'd planned to have some cute low-heeled winter shoes by now that cover my toes, I thought. I've had such a busy holiday season and have spent lots of time with God, and teaching, and writing......and who cares anyway!

Then I got to church and it was a powerful service where, after extended worship and several exhortations from our pastors, we took Communion and almost all of us ended up standing at the altar.  Hallelujah!

During the service, and and at the altar, I had found myself a bit distracted with the fact that, even a visiting pastor's wife who was leading a song was wearing a short black skirt, leggings, and cute black boots. It seemed prevalent throughout the church. Was I missing something? Am I still dressed like the last year? But wait, God is doing tremendous things today, and even my husband has come to the altar with me, to commit to do whatever the LORD says--even before we know what it is! Why in the world would I be concerned with clothes?

I laughed, I cried, I committed to God to go with Him, because He is forever faithful and forever good. I was so excited and thankful, remembering how the LORD had saved me from certain death and destruction, and had given me a life that was more heavenly every day--as only He can do!

The devil kept bugging me about what I wore, though, even after I got home.  "Shut up, devil!" I told him. "YOU are the one who'd not dressed right. I am dressed forever in the Robe of Righteousness and the garments of Salvation!"

After I took my stand over the enemy with my words like that a couple times, he left.

Then the sweet holy Spirit impressed me with this fact: He had led me to wear that outfit. Often I ask Him what to wear. Sometimes I plan to wear one outfit, but I don't have peace till I agree to wear another. He always knows, and answers when I ask Him. He is a good, good Father Who knows all things! I don't have to understand why He leads me to do something; I just know He will never lead me wrong!

He had led me to wear that older blue but still very nice pantsuit because when hands were laid on me--powerfully--at the altar, and because I had worshiped and repented many times in that outfit, especially today, He was now leading me to sow it. The woman to whom He would next give it to would benefit from some of the Anointing that had entered me, and also entered the clothing from which the outfit was made.

So I wore it for her!

Just like when Paul imparted healing power into cloth, the same Holy Spirit had imparted into me, and even into the clothes I wore today, Anointing. I didn't understand it, but immediately as the LORD showed me that, I had peace, and laughed. 

He Who sits in the Heavens laughs, and we trust Him with laughter and singing, for the LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy (Psalm 126:3)!

⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. - I Peter 8,9 (NIV)

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.