It was the last day of the writer’s conference and through a series of unfortunate events, I ended up wearing re-used clothing.

You read that right—I was dressed in yesterday’s clothing, and attending an awards ceremony.

I had neglected to try on my outfits, and one clearly didn’t fit. I positioned myself near the exit of the auditorium so as soon as the awards ceremony was over, I could slip out quickly. I decided that as long as I didn’t get close to anyone, they wouldn’t notice. I doubled up on the perfume.

At least, I reasoned, I hadn’t an iota of a chance of being in the spotlight. I had submitted my best work in two categories, but didn’t think I had any chance of winning.

Soon, I heard my name called. I’d won an award! Humbled, I brisked up the first two steps of the stage, and rushed to my seat. A few minutes later, my name was called again, this time for a book entry. I tried the same technique, stepping onto the first two steps, but the awards presenter was wise.

“Uh ahh! Come right up here. All the way up! There you go! Okay let’s get some pictures.”

If only she knew! I’m in re-used clothing… oh no, she’s hugging me; I hope the perfume has done its job!

When my husband picked me up, I asked if he noticed anything odd about my appearance.

“You’ve been crying? And, I hate to say this but…” his voice trailed off.

“But what?”

“You could have lightened up on the perfume. Just a smidge.”

I told him about the awards ceremony, and we went to lunch right then and there to celebrate, with me still wearing re-used clothing.

Winning those two awards were the chinch-pin that helped me to know God had indeed called me to write. Up to that point, I had felt like the clothing I was wearing was akin to my soul attire. Had God really called me to write? I knew at that instant, He indeed had put talent within me that I was to use for His glory.

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

~2 Corinthians 2:15 NKJV

Friend, God sees each of us from the inside-out, and we are all chosen. Do you know without a doubt that you are called? You are! God has a specific job you are uniquely qualified to do. Even if you feel you’ve been overlooked, or that you’re dressed in reused clothes, in truth you are God’s chosen vessel and He adores you!

The fragrance you wear is a gift from His Spirit. Press into the Lord’s bosom, permit you to hug you spiritually, so that more of His delectable aroma will come upon you, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15 NKJV).

You and I have an important mission–to encourage and rescue those who need to find Christ in the midst of a troublesome world. We are to disciple and win those Christ puts in our path. We are His ambassadors, and He has placed many other spiritual giftings within our persona, so we can be of use to Him.

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he [Jesse] said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” … Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.

~1 Samuel 16:11a, 13a NKJV

David was overlooked many times, but not by God. His father Jesse assigned him the occupation of shepherd, which was an obsequious job in their culture. No fan-fare needed to tend smelly dumb sheep. He did his job well, and in the process developed a wonderful relationship with God, writing songs and poems as he went. He also became a skilled warrior, fending his flock from bear and lions. Little did he know this was training for a greater assignment.

When Samuel the Prophet came looking to anoint the next king, Jesse didn’t even think to offer his son David as a potential candidate. Samuel pressed him, and Jesse had servants call David from the field. It must have shocked David’s father and brothers when Jesse poured the flask of oil upon the head of the least valued family member.

David, dressed in shepherd’s rags, bowed his head and received God’s kingly assignment. We know the rest of the story—the shepherd boy became the second king of Israel, and God chose his lineage to birth our Savior Jesus Christ.

David’s kingly assignment didn’t happen overnight. In-between, his brothers continued to reject him. King Saul pursued him with an army, trying to kill him even though he had slain Goliath and many other of Israel’s enemies. But finally, at the right time, David served two nations—Israel and Judah—as King over both. David started out as the least, in shepherd’s clothing, but he ended up wearing royal robes.

For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

~1 Samuel 16:6b NKJV

Is there something God has whispered into your heart to accomplish? Don’t hold back. Be bold! Step forward and know the Lord will help you realize your goals. God helped me, He helped David, and He is poised to help you. It is the Lord’s pleasure to clothe His children with royal robes.

And, just a side note—I now check the fit of every outfit when I go on trips, so I don’t end up in re-used clothes. Lesson learned.

Share an assignment God wants you to accomplish. Are you willing?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for placing Your anointing and talents within me so I can accomplish mighty deeds to advance your kingdom. I accept Your God-given assignments You’ve ordained for my life.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Re-used Clothes: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved