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Growing in the Lord

by Marijo Phelps  
2/19/2020 / Christian Living

I was a brand new Christian - within days of my praying to the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven for all the times I had broken His heart, (sinned!)

I couldn't contain myself. I loved my sister-in-law so much and just had to tell her what had happened to me with the Lord. I, an alcoholic and professing atheist had met the Creator of the Universe... SO here we were, in a cozy lounge with a fireplace, in our favorite, well, bar... sipping mai-tais while I excitedly told her what had happened to her formerly atheist sis-in-law...

It was about 3 weeks later that our Lord Jesus totally and completely delivered me, feet first, out of the bottle I had lived in way too long. I have now been clear headed and sober, without alcohol, for going on 46 years.

Timothy could have a little wine for his stomach. When I prayed about this the Lord gave me a verse, chapter and verse actually... Matthew 26:29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” And the Holy Spirit whispered to me "If He can wait, can you?" I quickly replied, after taking a large gulp, "With Your help, Lord, with Your help. And, I have no longer taken anyone to a lounge with a fireplace to sip mai-tais as I told them about Jesus.

It now seems pretty incongruous, especially considering my background. Some of you may have more liberty in this area of alcohol. I have seen over and over families ruined and people making horrible choices when drinking that they never would have made if sober. So, for me, I am very content with the Lord's challenge to me not to drink until the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Before I came to the Lord, my roommates and I did a little experiment. We would go to a local pizza place, in the evening, to drink wine coolers. We discovered when we went in mini skirts or low cut tops we attracted half drunk guys who were pretty obnoxious and looking at two things.... frankly, our legs or cleavage. Then, we would go in with T-shirts and jeans.... guess what? The guys who came over to talk to us really wanted to talk and were not pushy and obnoxious.

OK - this followed over into when I gave my life to Jesus. (Bear with me - this really is going to be my testimony and make a point) Guys are visually oriented. Shortly after I became a new creature in Christ... I realized that one of the only dresses I owned was pretty low on top and showed cleavage. I asked my pastor about it in reference to proper dress because I felt "funny" wearing it. Unfortunately, he had issues with females (that we didn't know about at the time) and said there was nothing at all wrong with the dress. Very gently, the Holy Spirit kept making me feel uncomfortable when wearing that dress. It was a blue and green plaid and pretty soon the idea "popped into my head" to get some blue and green ribbon (2 inches wide each) and go around the neckline with them. It fixed the dress - looked like it was planned that way in the first place and when I wore it - no more discomfort.

The Lord kept teaching me about men and how we need to be modest and help a brother not to stumble etc. Made perfect sense... I then found some really cute and modest "granny dresses" at a garage sale in just my size and began wearing them to church. Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Another thing which changed - a single doctor from work mentioned he saw me at the park with my "shorty-short shorts" on playing frisbee with Tom (my then husband). I was a bit embarrassed but that got me thinking again about what was appropriate dress. As I prayed, the Lord was showing me some things. Did I want any guy looking at me with lust. The answer was an emphatic NO.

Then, what came to mind was "how would you dress to avoid this?" We lived in HOT Stockton but I found I would be fine with cut offs that were knee length or capris which hit about mid-calf. Those of you who know me, know I love bright colored and fun clothing. Lately, so many tops are so low they leave nothing to the imagination. What works for me? Tank tops (usually turned so the higher back part is in front) layered under those low cut tops. Then, no worries when bending over or no worries, period. You can get them in a rainbow of colors at Walmart for $3. Years ago, I found a really cute and colorful one piece swimming suit that gave good coverages, was easy to swim and canoe in and didn't slip down of fall off when I was active in and around the water. Putting a pair of my cut offs on also helped with sun protection when rafting, sailing or doing something in the water. Am I a neat and tidy package reflecting Jesus in all I say and do because He and I went through the above issues? Of course not, He and I are working on many issues in my life and walk. "When we see Him, we will be like Him..." it is all about maturing, growth, change and allowing Him to shine through us by getting selfish self out of the way. For me, this is a daily struggle.

Looking back, I can see changes. Most of all I see His grace, His love, His nudges to help me walk in His most beautiful footsteps and, hopefully, grow incrementally more like Him. Not letting my liberty ever be a stumbling block for someone I love. Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. Since we were expecting snow today I will not be inclined to wear a swim suit or "shorty-short shorts" but felt like sharing this part of what our Lord Jesus graciously taught me about clothing, sharing Him with a gal I love in a bar, and some of what He taught me and walked me through.

This is one of my "life verses" - you can never go wrong erring on the side of caution - looking at things through this scripture has saved me many a problem over my life with Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. Would also love to hear some of your issues, what you have learned and where you are today with Him, our DELIVERER.

About Self

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news

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