“Call upon me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you knew not of.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Prophet Elisha had set up a school of young prophets and they had become crammed in the shed provided for them; so they took the initiative to extend it, to make more room. They had undertaken to cut down some trees from the Jordan River and use the poles for the extension. The prophet consented to the proposal and willingly accompanied them when asked.
On the site, as one of the young prophets was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. In desperation, he screamed: “Oh, my lord, it was borrowed.” (2 Kings 6:5)
Have you ever feared losing or damaging something that was borrowed? It could be embarrassing to say the least, particularly when you are unable to replace it. This young prophet was conscious of this – that was the reason he was upset. He showed concern for other people’s property, and rightly so.
It is time that we realise that we are living on borrowed time; that the life we live is not our own. Every day God makes available to each of us the same allocation of 2,880 seconds to use. One day we must render account of how we used it. Whilst we are alive however we can redeem the time. This is the appropriate time to take back what we have lost to the enemy – whilst it is yet day.
The man of God then asked the young prophet, “Where did it fall?” After he was shown the place, prophet Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. He then asked the young prophet to reach out his hand and recover it.
The condition for the miracle was right. The axe head was being used for a good cause. Besides, the man of God was in the vicinity to react to this desperate appeal, and he also could help in the recovery of the axe head.
Lesson learnt. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps.46:1)
Let us never hesitate to ask for God’s help. He is ready to lend a hand. “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you shall honour and glorify Me.” (Ps. 50:15) God is just a prayer away. Call today!
