Elisha

June 27

2 Kings 6:1-7

The axhead

One day, a group of prophets said to Elisha, “The place where we meet is too small for us. Let’s go to the Jordan River and cut logs for a new building.” Elisha was happy with the idea and went along with them.

As they were chopping down trees, one of the axheads came off the handle and fell into the water. “Oh sir,” the man cried, “it was borrowed!”

“Where did it fall?” Elisha asked. So the man showed him the place. Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water. As he did, the axhead floated to the surface and the man was able to lift it out of the water.

Why do things go wrong—even when we work for God?

Imagine being part of a team of workers building something for God’s Kingdom. Surely God wouldn’t allow anything to go wrong when you are doing your best for Him. Yet, even when a group of prophets were building a bigger place in which to meet, something happened to frustrate them and slow them down. What made matters worse was that the ax had been borrowed.

There are different reasons why things go wrong when we are serving God. The devil isn’t going to sit with his arms folded watching people get excited about serving God. Although his power is limited, he will try his best to disrupt the work.

God also has reasons for allowing things to go wrong, even when we are doing something for Him. When we do things for the Lord, we may be tempted to become proud of what we are doing. God lets things go wrong to remind us to rely on Him. He wants us to follow His plans and do things in His strength. And sometimes, He just wants to slow down our busyness and remind us about Himself.

So, when things go wrong you can be sure there is a reason, even though you may not be able to see the good that will come from the situation.

Verse for today

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28