Isaiah 52:11 and 12
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epart, depart, go forth from there; touch not the unclean thing, depart from her midst, purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.Still worked part-time in fashion, but over time the business where I worked had changed hands several times. Instead of the middle class, it had become fashion for mainly young people and clearly changed in appearance. I noticed that the print of the clothing was becoming more aggressive. There were also more and more skulls even on children's clothing.
The music also changed. An unsuspecting customer would probably hardly notice it, but I started to get annoyed by the many unclean lyrics that this music contained. In addition, normal sales changed into making sure that nothing is stolen, and unpacking the increasingly delivered boxes every day. One day the Lord spoke to my heart through Isaiah 52 verse 11 and 12. The text written above this chapter. Giving up my job at a time when you could be happy, especially at my age, that you can work, was a bit of a shock for me.We would miss my salary, but we should because John had a good income. I did, however, dread having to explain why I wanted to stop to my boss and our district leader. I wrestled with the Lord about this and asked for confirmation. The next time I walked back into the store to go to work, there was an unmissable large mannequin in front of the store with a very aggressive look and an unmissable belt with a large skull as closure! This came right in my face. I walked thoughtfully to our cloakroom to hang up my coat and there was a surprise waiting for me. Meetings were held in the small room by, among others, my boss, our district leader and the Etaleur. The Lord had made it easy for me! My heart started beating in my throat, I was sure the Lord had arranged this for me and I could immediately announce my resignation to all.
They were amazed to hear my honest story about how the latest fashion trend started to annoy me. Most of them knew that I was a Christian, I had never made a secret of it. Yet they did not fully understand why I wanted to quit my job for that reason. Our Etaleur followed me into the store for a while, and asked if I was sure? I asked him; Will this fashion image stay that way, or is it just temporary and will it be changed again in the new season? Unfortunately no, this trend did very well and they certainly weren't going to stop there. Then I knew for sure, this 'vat' had to go! Very shortly afterwards, due to certain circumstances, John's income fell and that was unexpected.
I had obeyed the voice of the Lord at the right time. Had I known this I probably would not have stopped working after all, and the influence of all the impurity and darkness could still affect my mind unnoticed. We placed our concerns at The Cross and trusted that God would take care of us and He did not betray that trust!
