The God Who Recovers What Was Lost Series

THE GOD WHO RECOVERS WHAT WAS LOST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 6:1-7

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:25-26; Jeremiah 30:17; John 10:10; Psalm 126:1-6; Luke 15:8-10

INTRODUCTION:

This short but powerful episode in the prophetic ministry of Elisha reveals God’s concern for even the smallest details in the lives of His people. A group of prophetic sons was building a larger dwelling place, and during the process, one of them lost a borrowed axe head in the river. In those days, iron was expensive and difficult to come by—especially for those in ministry training. The loss was painful and embarrassing, not just because the item was borrowed, but also because it symbolised a setback in purpose.

Yet, when Elisha stepped in, what was lost was miraculously recovered. This passage may appear simple, but it teaches profound lessons about divine restoration, responsibility, and the supernatural help available to those doing God’s work. God does not ignore our losses—He specialises in recovering what others consider irretrievable.

1. DIVINE VISION DEMANDS EXPANSION

The sons of the prophets recognised the need for growth.

a) Ministry must not remain stagnant—growth requires action

“The place where we dwell is too strait for us” (2 Kings 6:1).

b) God supports those who see and respond to the need for progress

Spiritual leaders must create room for multiplication.

c) Healthy growth requires unity and shared labour

They said, “Let us go” and work together (v.2).

d) Great visions are built with human hands and divine help

Even prophets must labour for expansion.

Biblical Example: The early Church recognised the need for deacons to manage growth (Acts 6:1-7).

2. DO NOT STEP INTO YOUR ASSIGNMENT WITHOUT DIVINE COVERING

They invited Elisha to go with them.

a) Wise builders seek the presence of prophetic oversight

They said, “Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants” (v.3).

b) Divine covering ensures success and protection in spiritual ventures

Without Elisha’s presence, they may have remained helpless.

c) No matter your calling, don’t outgrow accountability

Submission to leadership ensures preservation.

d) Honour for spiritual fathers opens the door for miracles

Their respect for Elisha gave them access to divine intervention.

Biblical Example: Joshua thrived under Moses’ mentorship and succeeded in his own calling (Exodus 24:13; Joshua 1:1-2).

3. EVEN IN OBEDIENCE, CHALLENGES MAY ARISE

A borrowed axe head fell into the water during the work.

a) Doing God’s work doesn’t make us immune to difficulty

Obedience does not eliminate spiritual battles.

b) Loss during labour can be discouraging and humiliating

The man cried, “Alas, master! for it was borrowed” (v.5).

c) Borrowed tools symbolise dependency—losing them affects credibility

Loss of resources in ministry can create shame.

d) Moments of loss should drive us to our spiritual covering, not away

He immediately reported the issue to Elisha.

Biblical Example: Paul faced shipwreck and hardship even while fulfilling divine assignment (Acts 27:9-26).

4. GOD CAN RECOVER WHAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND

Elisha caused the iron to float.

a) The God who made iron can override the laws of nature

“Elisha cut down a stick, and cast it in... and the iron did swim” (v.6).

b) God specialises in impossible recoveries

What is irretrievable to man is easy for God.

c) Prophetic acts are sometimes symbolic but carry divine power

The stick represented the cross—restoration comes through divine intervention.

d) There is no loss God cannot reverse when faith is activated

The miracle proved God is Lord even over accidents.

Biblical Example: David recovered all that was lost in Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:6-8, 18-19).

5. DIVINE RECOVERY REQUIRES YOUR PARTICIPATION

Elisha told him to pick it up.

a) God restores, but you must reach out to reclaim it

He said, “Take it up to thee”—and he did (2 Kings 6:7).

b) Restoration requires responsiveness to divine instruction

Miracles happen when we obey, not just observe.

c) Some recoveries require you to get your hands dirty

He had to reach into the water and grab it.

d) God will bring it within reach, but you must take responsibility

He doesn’t just float the iron—He invites you to pick it up.

Biblical Example: Jesus told the man with the withered hand, “Stretch forth your hand,” and healing came (Mark 3:5).

CONCLUSION:

This story reminds us that God is not only concerned with great battles and national affairs—He is also interested in the tools we lose while serving Him. Whether it is time, strength, anointing, opportunity, or spiritual sharpness, what was lost can be recovered. The key is staying close to God’s presence, submitting to spiritual authority, and being ready to act when He shows up.

Never underestimate the power of divine recovery. If God can make iron float, He can lift your destiny from the depths of loss into a new place of usefulness.