It Always Starts with the Washing Machine

 Seriously,  I think Satan uses our washing machine as his Holiday Inn.  It always starts with the washing machine.

Things will be humming along nicely, and then the washing machine breaks down.  I know that it's the first skirmish of a serious spiritual battle about to take place.

The washing machine goes on the fritz, and then Satan attacks from all angles.  People call upset about one thing or another.  Sickness hits.  Doubts and fears like fiery darts are aimed at our hearts.  Technology goes berserk.  Printers stop printing.  Sleep is lost.  Discouragement sets in.  Plans are made and foiled and remade and foiled several times over.  Text messages come at a frenzied pace.  People need us more than ever, and we have less than ever in reserve to give.  One or more of our children will be attacked as well.  I can take it to the bank, washing machine goes out, attacks follow.

Why does it always start with the washing machine?  I think it is because when Satan comes to visit, he literally resides in the washing machine.  I can tell you of several times in the past when the washing machine has been the catalyst that starts it all.

Our washing machine broke almost two weeks ago.  There have been some serious battles going on in within these walls.  And sometimes spilling out beyond them.  Ephesians 6:12 says that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood...".  

I don't think it is a coincidence that the washing machine broke and that I had planned to on that Sunday, give my kids at church posters to help them to "pray on" the armor of God each day with a prayer calendar that goes along with the spiritual armor for the month of May.  Satan plans his attacks very timely and carefully.

So why am I blogging about this?  Well, because my washing machine is still broken.  And we can use prayers over here.  All. the. prayers.  

And to ask you, where does Satan reside when he comes to visit you?  Do your major spiritual battles seem to have the same starting point like ours?  At least I know when Satan is gearing up for some major stuff, he checks in to the washing machine.  It gives me a heads up, and helps me to prepare better for the battles ahead.  And sometimes, even with the heads up, I fail miserably.  Which makes me thankful for God's grace and that it is new each and every morning.  And that there is more than enough of it to get me through each day.

So if Satan has checked into your home lately, like he has here, be encouraged.  James 4:7 tells us that if we submit ourselves to God, and resist the devil, he will flee from us.  Satan is not here to stay.  We submit to God, and resist him, and he will leave eventually.  

In the meanwhile, I pray that God helps me to learn whatever lesson it is He has for me to learn, and that I learn it quickly.  And I pray that the right part for the washing machine comes in sooner rather than later.  And I pray that when the washing, and rinsing, and spinning starts happening and the happy song is played at the end of the full cycle, that more than our clothes come out clean.  I pray that some of the things that I have let creep in and soil my soul are broken down and washed away, and that I come through the whole thing closer to God and more like Him than ever before.  I pray the same for you as well.