Monday was about the worst day I’ve ever had here at home. That’s really saying something, because there have been no shortage of rough days for me. But I haven’t been that discouraged in a long time. Never have I been more ready to just ship all the children off to school or daycare or wherever they could be sent. I no longer cared about negative outside influences. I just wanted to be free of them. I felt like a failure as a mother and homemaker and educator. I felt like I was drowning in responsibilities that I could never rise above and conquer. You get the picture.

Well, Tuesday dawned, and it was a much better day. A good night’s sleep, combined with getting lots of laundry put away, topped off with a couple of cups of strong coffee and a dose of daily vitamins really helped the day look brighter. Tuesday was only a little stressful, but all in all, a good day. The day ended with a wonderful outing with friends at Ruby Tuesdays. As I lay in bed that night, I was musing over the last two days trying to figure them out. Slowly various facts started to fall into place. As the picture came into focus, I wanted to hop out of bed and write it all down so I wouldn’t forget. Sleep prevailed though, so instead I write to you today.

Like a detective reconstructing a crime, I want to walk you through what I think happened:

Sunday evening my good friend Janie couldn’t stop thinking about me and our family. She didn’t know why I was on her mind, but the premonition was so strong that she almost brought a meal to us, thinking that somehow that was what we needed. We now know that the battle was brewing. The storm was rolling in.

Monday morning the battle was in full force. Of course, I had no idea. It was just so much hassle and irritation for me. Later I would understand.

I loaded up most of the children, leaving Luke & Laura behind at home, and headed out to run errands. Before we even left, Laura and Luke were squabbling. I came back inside and gave Laura a stiff lecture about not being mean to her brother. I was on the verge of tears. I sat down and called Michael, but he wasn’t able to visit for very long. Interestingly, after he got off the phone with me, he ran into Janie. She asked how I was doing, still remembering her strange thoughts from the day before. Michael admitted to her that things weren’t going so well for me.

Finally we headed out on our errands, and Luke & Laura were getting along much better. They brewed a pot of coffee, and sat down at the kitchen table together. Over coffee, Luke asked Laura if she was a Christian. She said, “Yes, why?” He said, “I’ve been trying to act like a Christian, and I’ve been trying to become a Christian by acting like one.” Laura explained that he couldn’t just act like one , but that he had to pray and accept the Lord. Before Luke prayed, Laura made sure he really wanted to do it, because she didn’t want him to make a hasty decision. Luke assured her that he wanted to pray, so they prayed together. Laura prayed first, and then had Luke repeat after her. “Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, Please come into my life, and replace my heart of stone with a heart of flesh. In Jesus name, Amen.” After the prayer, they talked about how only Jesus could make you a Christian, and how people think they can earn their way to Heaven by doing good deeds. They talked about how millions of people don’t know the Lord and how they need to know.

When we got home, Laura & Luke told me about their prayer time. I was astounded. Luke hadn’t said anything to me about these thoughts! So I asked him what had made him think about it, and he said that the sermon on Sunday had brought it to mind. On Sunday our pastor’s son passionately shared how he had been convicted of his need for Christ. Many of us were touched by his testimony, and obviously Luke took it to heart as well.

As the day went on, it got worse and worse. One thing after another happened. I was on the verge of tears for hours!

Looking back on it, I realized that no doubt I was in the middle of spiritual warfare! At the time it just seemed like I was having a pity party. But I’m quite sure now, in retrospect, that the Evil One knew that important things were happening in the Lyons house.

Fortunately, the Evil One did not win. The Holy Spirit interceded for us. He prompted friends to think and pray. He gave Laura the right words to help her brother. He pursued Luke’s heart and wooed him to Christ. But it was a battle.

What has this taught me? Several things. The next time a friend comes to mind, stop and pray for them. Realize that there may be a battle brewing. Second, the next time you’re feeling discouraged, overwhelmed or incompetent, look a little deeper and realize that those feelings may be tools in the Enemy’s hands. Fight back! Don’t let Evil win that round.

The war is not over. Will you help me strategize for the next round?