Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Praying In Moments Of Desparation

I've recently been reading through the Old Testament and have been thoroughly moved.  One story which really captivates me is the story of the man losing the head of an axe in the Jordan River while cutting down a tree. It is recorded in II Kings 6:1-7 as follows:

"Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us. Please let us go to the Jordan and each of us take from there a beam, and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live.” So he said, “Go.” Then one said, “Please be willing to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I shall go.” So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.” Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float.  He said, “Take it up for yourself.” So he put out his hand and took it."

It's such a simple story, yet so typical of life.  Things happen.  Perhaps they are minimal at best in the broad scheme of life's occurrences, yet, when they happen, it feels like the world is caving in.  In this case, a man using a borrowed tool has the unthinkable happen as the axe head comes off and is irretrievable in the water.  Maybe this unfortunate fellow didn't have the financial means to replace it as he says in distress to Elisha in verse 6, "Alas, my master, for it was borrowed."  He was in an unexpected bind, a tight fix which was not his fault. 

Similar occurrences happen today.  You can't find your car keys.  The refrigerator goes out.  The lawn mower won't start.  The cat disappears. You wake up with a headache or a stomach virus.  Your prescription runs out and your pharmacy is closed.  The list goes on and on.

What to do?  Pray. Pray. Pray.  Even if it's just the loss of an axe head or something more trivial, pray.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

What happens next?  Sometimes the axe head miraculously floats in the water, the situation is resolved, and you can rest in peace (the peace of God, that is).  







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