“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength.” ”
Sure, you can cut with a dull ax, powering along in your own strength until your energy runs out. But the writer of Ecclesiastes is stating that there’s a better way.
Dull “axes” is the problem for many people and churches today.
You need the supernatural power and strength of God in your life. Many people are going through the motions without passion. Yet our passion defines our movement. Sometimes passion eads us down paths of destruction. Other times it leads us to greatness.
Believe it or not, passion can be the culprit of a dull live. Many believers fall into trouble in life because their passions have led them astray, resulting in dull and unfruitful life. I do not believe that is God’s intention for us.
Let me share with you a story about a young man from the Bible (2 Kings 6) who lost his edge (literally), but God gave him the miracle he needed to get it back.
This young man was part of the so-called Sons of the Prophet; a group of followers eager to be mentored by Elisha. The group had outgrown their living quarters so they headed to the banks of the Jordan River to cut down trees and make beams for a new lodge.
As he worked, the young man didn’t notice that with each swing against the tree the head on his ax was working loose. Suddenly the piece of iron slipped off the handle and flew into the muddy river. He stood on the bank, ax handle in hand, devastated and powerless to change what had just happened. He was eager to do something great for God, but now he couldn’t even help chop wood.
He had literally lost his edge.
Maybe you know how that feels; you had an edge once. The Lord’s anointing was on your life. You were going for it! Your life was consecrated to God, and you had a deep passion for spiritual things. Then something slipped and you lost your edge. Now the enemy has convinced you that it’s out of sight, out of reach, buried, stuck at the bottom of the river where you can never get it back.
The young man did the only thing he knew to do. He cried out for help from Elisha. He knew God had used Elisha. The seasoned prophet made the water of Jericho drinkable again. He made oil multiply in a widow’s house. Elisha raised a young boy from the dead, and even healed a man’s leprosy. If anyone had the faith to see God do what seemed impossible, it was Elisha.
“So the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ And he showed him the place. So [Elisha]
cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, ‘Pick it
up for yourself.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.”
Have you bought the lie that your anointing, your purpose, your dream, your family, your lost children are all gone forever?
Are you facing dire circumstances? Have you lost a job, a home, or even respect and hope? I want to encourage you right now! God still can make iron float.
Just as God did a miracle for the young prophet, He can return to you the edge you’ve lost.
You have a part to play, too! The young man had to reach out and take the iron from the water. In like manner, you get to partner with God’s miracles. Make up your mind today that you are going to take back what belongs to you.
Pick up that axe and get your edge back!
- Scott