Take Care of Your Coat!

On New Year's Eve I wore my favorite coat to our friend's house.  When we got there, I didn't take the time to hang it up properly, and through the evening it fell to the floor and got stepped on by all the kids running through the house.  When it came time to leave - I realized that the white fur collar was matted grey and full of salt and dirt.  Unwearable...I'd have to get it cleaned.  That was four weeks ago now, and finally last week I took it in and picked it up today from the cleaners.  While I was there, the woman behind the counter said to me - twice - "take care of your coat"!  As I was walking through the parking lot, I noticed that I held my coat high above the wet and salty pavement.  When I got to my truck, I placed it carefully on the seat and made sure it was secure.  When I got home, I was so excited to put it back on so I could look my best when I went shopping with my husband.

The way she kept repeating "take care of your coat" made me think of Ephesians 6:11 "Clothe yourselves in the armor of God..."   And the thought struck me - we all need to take care of our coat - to always be ready with our full armor of God so that we can stand our ground.  It was a good reminder why it's so important that I keep on with my scripture memorization..to treat this learning as special...and take care of my coat (of armor - see what I did there?).

"And we know, that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

This verse has strengthened me in many ways.  I keep it in mind at all times...I even wear it on a ring on my right hand as a reminder.  It's helpful to know - in good times and bad - that we know He is working things out for His purpose and our good.  Even when things don't happen in my desired timing, my desired outcome, or my desired method.  He is sovereign and, when I'm struggling to be in control of my circumstance, it brings me peace to know what is happening is all under God's perfect loving control.