January 13

Morning

Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber. — 1 Kgs 22:48 BSB

Solomon’s ships returned safely, but Jehoshaphat’s vessels never made it to the land of gold. Providence blesses one and frustrates the plans of another in the same situation and place—yet the Great Ruler is just as good and wise in both circumstances. May we have the grace today, as we reflect on this truth, to bless the Lord for ships broken at Ezion-geber as much as for vessels filled with blessings. Let us not envy those who succeed nor complain about our losses as if we were uniquely burdened. Like Jehoshaphat, we may be precious in the Lord’s sight, even if our plans fail.

The hidden cause of Jehoshaphat’s loss is worth noting because it’s the root of much of the suffering we experience as God’s people: it was his partnership with a sinful family, his alliance with sinners. In 2 Chronicles 20:37, the Lord sent a prophet to say, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.” This was a fatherly correction, which seemed to bear fruit, for in the following verse, we see Jehoshaphat refusing to let his servants sail with those of the wicked king.

Oh, that Jehoshaphat’s experience would serve as a warning to us to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers! A life of misery often follows those who unite themselves with the world, whether in marriage or any other close relationship. May we have such love for Jesus that, like Him, we are holy, innocent, undefiled, and separate from sinners. For if we are not, we may often hear the Lord say, “Your works are destroyed.”

Evening

“Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. — 2 Kgs 6:6 BSB

The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and since it was borrowed, the honor of the prophets was at stake, and by extension, the reputation of their God. But contrary to all expectations, the iron rose from the depths and floated—because what is impossible with man is possible with God.

I once knew a man in Christ who was called to a task far beyond his strength. It seemed absurd to even attempt it. Yet he was called to it, and his faith grew with the challenge. God honored his faith, and unexpected help arrived—“the axe-head floated.”

Another of God’s children was in severe financial trouble. He could have met his obligations and much more if he could have accessed a portion of his estate, but a sudden crisis struck. He sought help from friends in vain, but faith led him to the One who never fails. The problem was resolved, his situation improved, and “the axe-head floated.”

A third had a deeply sorrowful case of hardened sin to deal with. He had taught, warned, invited, and prayed, but all seemed in vain. The stubborn heart refused to relent. Then came an agonizing time of prayer, and before long, a blessed answer came from heaven. The hard heart was broken, and “the axe-head floated.”

Dear reader, what is your desperate situation? What heavy burden weighs on you this evening? Bring it to the Lord. The God of the prophets lives, and He is still helping His people. He will not let you lack any good thing. Trust in the Lord Almighty! Approach Him in the name of Jesus, and “the axe-head shall float.” You too will see God working wonders for His people. According to your faith, it will be done for you, and again, “the axe-head shall float.”