What actions can believers take when facing spiritual "axes" in their lives? Setting the Scene—2 Kings 6:1-7 “But as one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Oh, my master, it was borrowed!’ Then the man of God asked, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float. ‘Lift it out,’ he said, and the man reached out his hand and took it.” Seeing the Parallel The lost axe head pictures those moments when something vital sinks out of reach—a calling, joy, or resource essential for Kingdom work. Elisha’s Spirit-led response models how believers can react when spiritual “axes” disappear. Action 1—Acknowledge the Loss Honestly • The worker immediately admitted, “It was borrowed!” (v. 5) • God honors transparency (Psalm 51:6). • Application: Name the exact area you’ve lost—prayer fire, purity, confidence—and confess it to the Lord without blame-shifting. Action 2—Cry Out for Help • He didn’t stay silent; he appealed to Elisha, God’s representative. • Scripture pattern: “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15). • Application: Turn instinctively to Christ, our greater Prophet, asking Him to intervene. Action 3—Identify the Exact Spot • Elisha asked, “Where did it fall?” (v. 6) • Pinpointing the moment of loss often reveals the remedy. Compare Revelation 2:4-5: “Remember how far you have fallen;…do the works you did at first.” • Application: Trace back to when zeal cooled or compromise crept in. Mark that place before God. Action 4—Trust God for the Impossible • Iron does not float, yet it rose at God’s word (v. 6). • “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). • Application: Believe the Lord can restore what seems irretrievable—relationships, ministries, spiritual gifts. Action 5—Participate in the Miracle • Elisha flung the stick, symbolically pointing to the Cross that makes the impossible possible. • He then commanded, “Lift it out” (v. 7). The worker had to reach and grasp. • Application: Act on God’s promise—renew disciplines, reconcile, step back into service—expecting His power to accompany obedience (Philippians 2:12-13). Action 6—Guard What Is Restored • Once in hand, the axe head could be secured. Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence.” • Application: Establish habits—accountability, Scripture intake, corporate worship—to keep the recovered edge from sinking again. Summary Checklist ✓ Admit the loss transparently. ✓ Cry out to God first, not last. ✓ Locate the point of departure. ✓ Believe God can defy “iron laws.” ✓ Obey the specific step He gives. ✓ Preserve the restored edge through vigilance. Taking these scriptural steps ensures that when spiritual axes sink, they don’t stay submerged; by God’s power, they rise, ready for Kingdom use once more. |
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