I've been around sewing & sewing machines for my entire life. My grandmother sewed, my Mother sewed, my sister sews, and I sew. I learned to sew at an early age, but didn't spend much time at the machine. In 7th & 8th grade, I took Home Ec. It was there I became reacquainted with a sewing machine. I made a pillowcase, a blouse, a skirt, and a jumper. I even have a picture (somewhere) of me modeling the jumper in a "fashion" show. Unless you're a contestant on Project Runway, to make a garments, you need to purchase a pattern, fabric, notions and follow the directions. We have patterns in His Word, the Bible.
We should first clothe ourselves for our everyday battles. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-18a that "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." The outfit may not always be comfortable, but wearing every item will help protect you.
Then along with that outfit, you need to put on what Paul writes about in Colossians 3, "...as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." That's a loaded list, but it is what God wants us to do.
In the first few moments of the video below, Michael W. Smith paraphrases part of Isaiah 61:3. The prophet writes to those who mourn to grant them " ...the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit..."
I visualize this garment as an outer cloak-like garment worn over everything else. I want to wear a garment of praise every hour of every day. But how do you create a garment of praise? Praise is defined as "the expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship." In Psalm 145:1-3, David writes, "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." In the rest of the chapter, David continues to praise God for everything. Over the next several chapters, David continues his praise and worship to God. This is how I think a garment of praise should look:
But, it's hard to praise God when you get news that your CA-125 number jumped from 43 to 49. It's hard to praise God when the doctor suggests that you get another blood test in a month to see if there are any changes. It's hard to praise God when you just want to be cancer free but know that you will probably be dealing with this disease for the rest of your life!!! It's hard to praise God when you don't know the next step.
Still I will praise Him.
We worshipped God with this song several weeks ago. The lyrics are very simple, but powerful:
This is how I fight my battles.
It may look like I'm surrounded
But I'm surrounded by You
Take moment and listen to the truth in this song, "Surrounded."
Do you have your armor on? Have you "put on" all the items in Colossians 3? How's your garment of praise doing?
It may sometimes look like I'm surrounded with a disappointing diagnosis or bummed out by rising numbers, but I know that I'm surrounded by the Lord's protection, and the love, encouragement, and prayers of family & friends.
Prayer Requests:
1. Blood test on Thursday, August 8 at 7am ET. Pray that they can find a vein, but more importantly, that my CA125 number would be lower.
2. Pray for wisdom during my doctor appointment on Tuesday, August 13 - approximately 1:15pm ET.
Only by His Strength,
Sandy
PS - I'm walking in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) "Together in Teal" Run/Walk in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 14. I would love if you could donate a few dollars to support the fight to find a cure. This link should take you right to my support page. Thank you in advance.
https://runwalk.ovarian.org/philadelphia/4Philippians13girl
