All too often, we go about our day carrying with us the day to day worries. We think the trivialities are too minor to bother God with them. Or sometimes we think that God might be critical of our foolishness at times were we to go to Him with everything. After all, it is probably my fault, I lost my glasses, or I messed up my finances in some way. What about work or the interpersonal relations that must go on there? Does God really care about the little stuff that makes up my day? God had a nation to deal with, a world falling farther into idolatry and false ideologies, why would the little stuff matter to Him?
We saw Elisha as His spokesman step in with an act of kindness repay the Shunammite woman for her generosity and kindness by giving her a child. Then, he raised that child from the dead when tragedy had struck. Furthermore, he had provided a miracle for the widow left financially destitute. He had feed the student prophets when a famine filled the land. And now we come to the floating axe head story. Of all the miracles I am certain Elisha performed in God’s strength or the wise words God gave him to speak, why would God have included this incident in those recorded?
God is about revealing Himself and He is perfect in His timing. Let us look at the incident as recorded in 2 Kings 6:1-7.
Does God Really Care About the Little Stuff?
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, “Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell.” And he answered, Go ye. And one said, “Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” So, he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, “Where fell it?” He shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore, said he, “Take it up to thee.” And he put out his hand and took it (2 Kings 6:1-7).
The dwelling place for these students of prophecy had become too crimped. So, they asked to build upon the dwelling. Each student would help in the gathering of wood and the building. They asked Elisha permission and then to go with them. As we should ask God about every project we undertake. First, we must come to Him to seek wisdom as to whether the project is good. Then, we must ask Him to go along beside us.
The Little Stuff
These students were very poor. One had borrowed an axe-head to chop down the trees with. As it was, the axe-head flew off its handle and landed in the river beside him. Being made of heavy iron it sank. There was no hope of recovering it. The student would be responsible to the owner; but alas he would not have the means to pay the debt. So, immediately he turned to Elisha that he might hear from God. His request may have seemed such little stuff compared to all that was going on in Israel at the time. But, quickly, Elisha takes a stick and places it in the water where the young man said the heavy iron axe-head had entered. The axe-head swam to the top where it was retrieved. It did not merely float, it swam to the top.
Why such a trivial need be recorded here? Ah, you see, this miracle came shortly before the King of Syria’s army surrounded the dwelling of Elisha intent upon his death. These student prophets would be asked to believe and trust God for a miracle of bigger proportions. They needed to see a glimpse of His Glory now to grow their faith for tomorrows trial.
Concluding thought
God is always with us. He does care about the small stuff. But of greater importance, He cares that we come to see Him clearer. He wants us to know Him, trust Him. Always He is demonstrating to each of us, glimpses of His Glory. Trials come. Some are small stuff; but, He is always there. We need to be instant in prayer. As Paul wrote in Romans 12:11-12 we are to be: fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. How? Because we know a God who really cares about every detail of our life.
[bctt tweet=”As we learn to trust him with the little stuff, He opens our eyes to see glimpses of His Glory and strengthens us for the battles ahead.” username=”effiedarlene”]
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Previous Post in This Series:
How Can Someone So Close Not Know God?
Can a Missed Opportunity Leave a Nation to Fall?
One Unlikely Believer and the Grace of God
Do You Trust God in the Famine?
Is Love Really Worth the Heartbreak?
Are you Really Seeking God in All You Do?
Do You Believe God is Your Provider?
What Can One God Fearing Man Do?
What Happens When We Fail to Teach Our Children?
How to Revive Barren Lands with Living Waters
Who will Carry the Torch for God Against Evil?
What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?
Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnote and Credits
Photo by Edi Libedinsky on Unsplash