6:7 - Faith That Floats

"Therefore he said, 'Pick it up for yourself.' So he reached out his hand and took it." — 2 Kings 6:7

Reflection

Have you ever lost something important and felt completely helpless about getting it back? In 2 Kings 6:1-7, a group of young prophets was building a bigger place to live near the Jordan River. As one of them was cutting down a tree, his iron axe head flew off and sank into the water. This was a big deal because iron tools were very valuable and hard to replace. The young man was especially upset because the axe was borrowed—he didn’t even own it. Elisha, God’s prophet, responded in a way no one expected: he threw a stick into the water, and the iron floated to the surface!

This moment might sound like just a story about a lost tool, but it’s really about how God cares for us in the little things. The young man’s problem wasn’t life-threatening, but it was real to him. Elisha didn’t laugh or tell him to forget about it. Instead, he listened, prayed, and trusted God to do something only He could do. The miracle of the floating axe head shows that God is interested in every part of our lives, even the moments that seem small or embarrassing.

Elisha’s instructions were simple: “Pick it up for yourself.” God did the impossible part—making iron float—but the young man still had to reach out and take it. This reminds us that faith isn’t just believing God can do big things; it’s about stepping out and trusting Him in everyday moments. When you face something that feels impossible, God might surprise you with help in unexpected ways, but He also asks you to take action and trust Him step by step.

Personal Application

As a teenager, there are probably times when you feel lost, overwhelmed, or worried about things that matter to you—maybe it’s a tough class, a friendship, or something at home. It’s easy to think your problems are too small for God, but this story shows that He cares about what you care about. You can talk to God honestly about anything, even if you’re embarrassed or afraid. Just like the young prophet, you can ask for help and expect God to listen.

Sometimes, God’s answers are unexpected. He might use a friend, a leader, or a small act of kindness to help you. Other times, He might give you the courage or idea you need to take the next step. The key is to pay attention and be willing to act, even when you don’t see how things will work out. Faith means being ready to pick up the “axe head” when God brings it within reach, even if it feels awkward or risky.

It’s also important to remember that God values honesty and responsibility. The young prophet admitted he lost something that wasn’t his and cared enough to ask for help. In your own life, taking responsibility, telling the truth, and seeking help when you need it are signs of maturity and faith. When you face a challenge, trust that God is with you in the little things and will guide you through, one step at a time.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Can you think of a time when you lost something or faced a problem that felt too small or embarrassing to pray about? How did you handle it?
2. What is one area of your life right now where you need to trust God to do the impossible?
3. How can you show responsibility and honesty when things go wrong, even if you’re worried about what others might think?
4. Who in your life encourages you to trust God and take small steps of faith, even when the outcome isn’t clear?

Prayer

God, thank You for caring about every detail of my life, even the small things that matter to me. Help me to trust You when things go wrong or when I feel stuck. Give me the courage to be honest, to ask for help, and to take action when You show me what to do. Teach me to believe that nothing is too hard for You and that You are with me in every challenge. Use my life to show others Your kindness and faithfulness, one step at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.