It’s laundry day! Whether you go to a laundromat, as Cherie and I do, or have the convenience of doing your laundry at home, the process is still the same – wash, dry, fold, put away – repeating the process every time the laundry piles up. It’s a never-ending routine. In many ways, doing laundry is much like the process God uses to renew us, over and over, for His kingdom purposes.

Let’s get started. The first thing to note is that we are all different colors. Like the children’s song says, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight,”  we are all precious in the sight of God. Each person has their own unique “Care Instructions” tag with how he or she needs to be handled when being washed and cared for. God always knows the best way to care for us.

Once we have determined how the different clothes in the pile need to be washed, we spray stain remover or degreaser on the stubborn stains and add the load to the washer. Now we are ready to start the process (Jeremiah 29:11). We push the start button, allowing the water – the Holy Spirit – to wash us, change us, and strengthen us for His divine purposes. Just like washing clothes starts with water, our renewing starts with the Holy Spirit.

Once the clothes are saturated in water, the washing machine begins to agitate or tumble the clothes. This process reminds me of different testings and trials we endure for God’s kingdom. It may feel like total turmoil to let go of the past, to release old ways, to be purified, but the time of tumbling and agitation is necessary. It is the process that breaks down and breaks loose the dirt in our lives – strongholds, lies we believe, anger, anxiety, etc. After the right amount of time, the machine stops the agitation or tumbling and removes the water, along with the dirt and grime that has now been knocked loose. In the same way, the Holy Spirit washes away those habits and hang-ups that He has shaken loose through the process.

Now the machine refills with clean water for a rinse cycle. With this cycle, I believe we become disoriented (1 Peter 4:12). Our lives have been changed and we’re learning to walk in a new, closer way with Jesus. In our lives we need a little fabric softener to soften us with the love of Jesus (Ezekiel 11:19).

After a final rinse and spin, we have finished the renewal process. But God being God, He is never done with us (Philippians 1:6). Now we have a choice. Some choose to hang out to dry, feeling the breeze of the Holy Spirit and basking in the sun (the Son). They have come through the trial or testing and don’t want to challenge themselves for more. They are content where they are and have little drive to seek hard after God.

Then there are others who hunger and thirst for God. So by their own choice, they are put into the dryer of the fire of God (Psalm 66:12).It is here where God’s fire comes upon us and we are taught the mysteries of God (Jeremiah 33:3). While we are sheltered under His wings (Psalm 91:4), our spirit is sparked, awareness is heightened, our knowledge and understanding learns not to waver. We become who we are not. Our armor is strengthened and tested (Psalm 66:10) and our boldness, courage, and confidence in God stands firm.

Now it is time to come out from under His wings and into our destiny. We all have a purpose in God’s kingdom. Some immediately walk into their purpose, with God’s wind at their back. For others, God has chosen certain people for a special purpose, and He must put them on hold for a time. They are folded and set in a special place, awaiting the time of their purpose. They are not like the rest. They walk with God’s fire in them for signs, wonders, and miracles.

We have not because we ask not (James 4:3). If you desire more of God in your life, ask Him. But don’t ask just to benefit yourself. We must ask with God’s heart and intentions in mind. His heart is for everyone to be drawn to Him. Watch and see what God will do with you when you ask – what He will do in you, for you, and for others through you.

My encouragement to everyone is to try something different with your faith. Don’t be satisfied to simply warm the pew on Sunday morning. Go deeper, farther, longer with God. See where He will take you and watch your purpose unfold.

To each of you, may God bless you with an abundance of His peace. This holiday season, reach out to someone less fortunate and mean it from your heart. There is a difference!

Love you all!