We concluded our last study by discussing the importance of crying out to the Master. When things went wrong, the son of the prophet did not keep quiet; he cried out. However, he didn’t just cry out to his colleagues or onlookers, he cried to the master. The one who he believed could make a difference.
For today’s study, we will consider how his plea to the master made a difference.
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you because you are good, and your mercies endure forever. Father, we ask that the entrance of your word will give light to our hearts. You will meet each of us at the point of our needs and your name will be glorified. For we pray in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
A. Pointing out the Problem
So the man of God said, “Where did it fall? vs. 6
When did the slide begin? When did you realize that your walk with God had become a thing of the past? What was the turning point for your business? Where did it fall?
God knows where it went wrong, but he needs you to also point it out.
“And he showed him the place” vs. 6
Can you show God where it went wrong? Can you tell God when it went wrong? Can you, in humility, tell the people he has place around you where it fell?
Why is that important? Well, that leads us to the next point.
B. The Master’s Intervention
“So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.” vs. 6
My knowledge of Physics is quite rusty, but I am not sure there is a scientific explanation for iron floating on water. If there is/was, I am not sure throwing a stick into the water would be the reason for the floating.
As I write, another miracle comes to my mind. The miracle at the wedding in Cana. There was a problem there. The wine had finished. However, just like the son of prophet cried out, Mary cried out to Jesus. Then Jesus asked the men to fill the waterpots with water and take it to the master of the feast. What happened next was a miracle. The water became wine!
Crying out to God and pointing out the problem places us in a good position to be beneficiaries of the Master’s intervention.
What is that issue that has become a problem in your life? Please can you take a few minutes now to talk to God about it?
C. The Human Effort
Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself” vs. 7
Man has a role. God has His role.
God will do what man cannot do, but man must do what man can do.
The son of the prophet could not get the iron to float, so the prophet was helped by God to do that.
However, after the iron floated, it was time for the man to work.
“So he reached out his hand and took it” vs. 7.
I believe God is speaking to us. “Pick it up for yourself” Pick up and spend more time in prayer. Pick up and register for that course. Pick up and see a therapist/counsellor. Pick it up for yourself!
God has done the miraculous, and now He expects us to play our role. Reach out your hand. Get to work. Pick it up for yourself.
What do you think the man did after he got the ax head? Exactly my thoughts! He got back to work! That is the purpose of restoration. God wants us to get back to work. When we face the hazards of work and make mistakes, our Father does not want us to fold our hands or step away from the scene. No! He wants us to cry out to Him in prayers, believing that He is able to bring back that which was lost and help us to return to the work He has called us to.
Shall we pray.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your word. Thank you for showing us the importance of pointing out our problem. Father, we ask that you help us to be humble and sincere enough to admit where we went wrong.
Lord, there are some of us facing problems that defy human solution. Father, we ask that in a miraculous way, you will step into our situation and do that which only you can do.
And Lord, when you have stepped in, help us to step up. Help us to play our roles in our journey of restoration. Help us to pick up wherever we have slacked. Help us, Lord Jesus. Restore us and teach us to continue the work you have committed into our hands.
For we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!
