PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jun
21

Ordinary Ingredients

Tim Savage

Scripture
6“Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. 7“Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it. 2 Kings 6
Observation
After asking for and receiving a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, Elisha went on to become one of the all-time men of faith in the bible, performing many miracles during his ministry. This morning, it stood out to me that Elisha often used very ordinary items in performing these miracles. I’m not saying that Elisha performed miracles on His own, after watching the chariot of fire sweep Elijah away to heaven, he was a God-fearing , God-believing man forever – God performed the miracles through Elisha. Back to the ordinary items, in 2 Kings 2 19-22 he used salt to cleanse the waters of Jericho. In 2 Kings 4 (v 1-7) he increased the widow’s supply of olive oil to pay their debts and provide for their needs. Later in 2 Kings 4 (38-41) he used flour to purify the poisoned stew and in today’s reading he threw a stick in the water to float the ax head. Salt, olive oil, flour and a stick, all of these seem unnecessary in bringing about these miracles, but he constantly used ordinary items. 
Application
God does this all the time. He uses ordinary people (some would say, “very ordinary!”) to accomplish the extraordinary. Just look at all of us! We are so ordinary it’s not even funny, but with God, miracles happen all around us, most I’m sure, we’re never even aware of. We are the salt, flour and olive oil, nothing special, but when kneaded and prepared by Him, a magnificent loaf of bread is created. Warm and crusty outside, soft and delicious inside. Perfect in Him. We are the ordinary ingredients in God’s extraordinary plans. We are unnecessary, but He chooses to use us anyway. I must be prepared to be used and always remember that it’s not up to me to provide the miracle, God will, I just have to be faithful and expectant.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You don’t need me, but You have chosen to use me and I am forever grateful. Through You and only through You the impossible is possible. Thank You Heavenly Father. In Jesus name, Amen

Devotions for June 21

2 Kings 6,7
2 Chronicles 20
1 Timothy 3

Start Doing Devotions

Devotions are an important part of everyday life. Click here to learn how to do devotions.