Quietly tucked in between two profound stories in Scripture is an easily dismissed encounter between Elisha, a famous prophet of the Lord, and a man, un-named.
This little encounter is sandwiched between the supernatural healing of a leprous army commander and God’s mighty overthrow of a powerful, enemy nation. (2 Kings 5-6)
In light of these two in two monumental accounts it’s easy to question how the subject matter of the small story even makes the cut into God’s sacred scriptures.
Here lies the story of an un-named man: This fellow borrowed an ax from a friend in order to assist a band of prophets in an important building project. As he was swinging his ax, the ax-head flew off and fell into the river! (2 Kings 6:1-6)
I may have responded with a hint of frustration, “Wow, that ax was nothing but a piece of junk!”
But this un-named man was mortified and cried out, “Help! I just lost the ax-head from the ax. It wasn’t mine. I borrowed it from my friend!”
Elisha, the prophet, witnesses the man’s despair. He doesn’t berate his plea for help. Instead, empowered by God, Elisha casts a piece of wood into the water, and the ax head miraculously rises to the surface. The man reaches out and grabs it…and then continues working…end of story.
Wow!
So, that’s it?
No fire-work moment?
Just a ‘get-back-to-work’ finish to the story, and we’re on to the next account?
Well, let’s not move on too quickly. This story reminds me of the fact that, while nothing is too difficult for our mountain-moving God, nothing is too small for Him either!
In comparison to current mounting world crises which are saturating our planet with panic and sorrow, our simple lives might seem profoundly small and insignificant.
It’s this smallness…this insignificance within us that just might have moved the heart of the Father to include the story of a man…un-named to us, yet fully known and completely loved by God.
He took into account the unscripted details within the story: the man’s desire to serve. his lack of resource; his humility to ask for help.
I often ponder the contrast between God’s supremacy over every system and structure within the universe to His intimate care for the seemingly small.
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins?
Yet God does not forget a single one of them.”
(Luke 12:9)
Jesus knows how swiftly our lives unwind and unravel amidst circumstances that might seem like a small thing…to everyone else, but to us…? In that moment, our unraveling need feels incomprehensible!
In light of the many needs around our world do we dare bother God with something as small as…this?
Today, dear one, take note: The One who causes borrowed ax-heads to float, elevates the importance of every one of our small, yet desperate needs.
He cares about those many things that concern you!
His ear is tuned to the sound of YOUR voice!
He cares, not only about the monumental events of your life, but the countless, seemingly unremarkable issues within your day.
So…today when you encounter a circumstance that quickens your heart-rate and bullies your hope, pursue the action of the un-named man: Bring your “ax-head trouble” to His attention.
He makes a promise to you, “Cast ALL of your cares on Me…the big ones and those you might not want to bother Me with…for I care so much for you!” 1 Peter 5:7
Such encouraging words to my heart this morning, Patty. Thank you!
Yes, and Amen! We must remember how it is for us as parents. We are concerned about every aspect of our precious childrens lives. How much larger and greater is our Heavenly Father’s concern for all the “little” things that are a part of our lives.
Thank you Patty, I feel that way so much. I think my worries and needs are to small to ask for Gods help.
Be assured Debbie, they are NEVER too small to bring to Him!
I love this Patty! I love praying about the smaller stuff… it’s so cool that He cares!!
You have taught me so much about praying about the “small stuff” Pris, proving to me that God is in the details!