Oh No, the Dryer Shut off!

In preparing for work one day, I had washed and placed the shirt I intended to wear in the dryer. At the time I did this, there was plenty of time for that load to dry and the shirt to be ready to wear to work. I went about my other business for the morning and returned to the dryer approximately 15 minutes before it was time to leave. I fully expected the load to be dry and the shirt ready to put on. I found quite the opposite. For some reason the dryer had turned off shortly after I had started the cycle. All of the clothes were still wet.

To get my shirt ready I took all of the other wet clothes out of the dryer and placed the shirt back in with a dry towel. There were two reasons for this. First, the towel would absorb some of the moisture from the shirt as the dryer tumbled. Also its presence would provide friction so that the shirt would continue tumbling and not get caught against the side of the dryer. These qualities quickened the desired result of a dry, wrinkle free shirt.

Like the dryer shutting off, things will happen unexpectedly in our lives. What we do and who we turn to for assistance at these times can make all the difference. Ultimately we must trust the Lord in all things. “Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].” (1 Peter 4:12-13 AMP) But this does not mean that we always go it alone during hard times. People have been placed in our lives by God to provide support and friendship. “Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 AMP)

A dry, absorbent towel was chosen to aid in drying my shirt because of its qualities. We likewise should choose our friends wisely based on their character qualities. “He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it.” (Proverbs 13:20 AMP) A true friend will not only share the good times with us but also the difficult. This friend will encourage and build us up, but will also challenge us. “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].” (Proverbs 27:17 AMP) These are great qualities for our closest friends. These careful friend choices are essential. The apostle Paul tells us, “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 AMP)

We are not to limit ourselves to associating only with close friends. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ to this world, we will mingle with many people. But like my load of wet laundry, there are times when many friends can actually be a detriment. At times we cannot provide the quality friendship needed by many. Attempting to stay in close relationship with all can actually be detrimental both to them and us. “The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 AMP) Difficult situations may require us to pull away from the multitude and hold on to that single or few friends that are like brothers/sisters to us. These friends can build us up so that we can again minister hope to those around us.

We are to follow Jesus’ example to spend with others. “I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world. Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.” (John 17:15-17 AMP) But Jesus also sent His followers out in pairs to support each other. “Now after this the Lord chose and appointed seventy others and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come (visit).” (Luke 10:1 AMP) We are strengthened by our Christian brothers and sisters.

So when unexpected trouble occurs, we can separate from the crowd and connect with one or a few true friends. These friends will absorb some of the concern and keep us moving toward what lies ahead.

By the time I needed to leave for work that day, my shirt was dry and ready to wear. I had wisely chosen the towel to place beside it in the dryer. Wisely choosing friends will also meet with success.

Wisely choose friends who support and challenge you. They will help and strengthen you in times of unexpected situations.