When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. — 2 Kings 6:6b
If a person tried to build or repair something without the proper tools, it would not take long until he became tired and gave up in frustration. In this passage a group of men were building a place to live and cutting trees for lumber. As one of them was chopping, the ax head flew off the handle and fell into deep water. He could have gone on and beat the tree with the handle alone, but his time would have been futile without the ax head to do the work. A sharp ax is what is needed to chop down a tree.
Staying sharp in athletics comes from training, following our coach’s instructions, and a lot of practice. The same is true in our walk with the Lord. Without being in front of Him daily in prayer, getting into His Word, and being in fellowship with other believers, we can get dull or even become a worthless tool. As much as we may want to serve God, without Him active in our lives all we do will be futile—just like hitting a tree with a stick instead of an ax head.
1. Read 2 Kings 6:1–7.
2. In all honesty between you and the Lord, how sharp are you now? Are you available to be sharpened by Him?
3. What are you trying to do for God? Is it for you or for Him?
Extra Reading: Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 4:12
Lord, I come to You asking that You will sharpen me in all aspects of my life and in everything I do. Lord, I desire a rich and authentic relationship with You. Help me build Your kingdom, to be a useful tool, and to be on Your course every day. Lord, teach me Your ways that I may be put to the perfect task that You have for me. Thank You for floating me to the surface to be rescued by Your hand at those times when I hit bottom. Amen.