Summary

In this sermon titled ‘Life and the Miraculous,’ Pastor John examines the story from 2 Kings 6:1-7 where Elisha performs a miracle by making an iron axe head float. The pastor emphasizes that God cares about every area of our lives—both significant and seemingly insignificant matters—and is willing to suspend natural laws to work miracles on our behalf. This is part eleven of the ‘Times Two’ series exploring Elisha’s miracles.

The sermon outlines three key points about living a life in the miraculous: 1) The miraculous can cause growth in any environment, 2) Living in the miraculous doesn’t insulate you from trouble, and 3) Living in the miraculous will produce different results. The pastor challenges believers to expect growth, plan for expansion, and believe God for miracles in every area of life, regardless of past limitations or present circumstances.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your miraculous power in our lives, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Lord, help us to see beyond our limitations and current circumstances to the unlimited possibilities that exist when we trust in You. We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our conversation and reveal the truths You want us to understand about Your desire to work miraculously in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s your favorite possession or tool that you would be really upset about if you lost it? (Like the pastor’s wok or someone’s favorite fishing pole or tool)

Key Verses

• “The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.” And he said, “Go.” Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied. And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.” 2 Kings 6:1-7

• ““Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child; Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed; For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous Than the sons of the married woman,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; Lengthen your cords And strengthen your pegs. “For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left. And your descendants will possess nations And will resettle the desolate cities.” Isaiah 54:1-3

• “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

• “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18

• “For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18

Questions

• In the sermon, the pastor mentions that Christianity is a religion of the miraculous, yet many have been talked out of believing for miracles. Why do you think some Christians struggle to believe in the supernatural aspects of our faith?

• The first point states that ‘life in the miraculous can cause growth in any environment.’ How have you seen God bring growth or increase in your life during difficult circumstances?

• Isaiah 54:2 says, ‘Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not.’ In what areas of your life might God be calling you to ‘think bigger’ and plan for growth?

• The pastor mentioned that some Christians value suffering more than believing for miracles. How do you balance acknowledging the reality of suffering while still maintaining faith for God’s miraculous intervention?

• The second point reminds us that ‘life in the miraculous does not insulate you from trouble.’ How does this truth challenge or comfort you in your current situation?

• Psalm 34:19 says, ‘Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.’ Share a time when God delivered you from a difficult situation.

• The sermon emphasizes that God cares about both significant matters and seemingly small things in our lives. What ‘small thing’ in your life do you need to trust God with right now?

• The pastor shared personal testimonies of God’s miraculous intervention (with his computer and driver’s license). How have unexpected miracles strengthened your faith in the past?

Life Application

This week, identify one area in your life where you’ve been thinking too small or have stopped believing for God’s miraculous intervention. Write down a specific prayer request for this situation, but don’t just pray about it—begin to take practical steps as if you’re planning for God’s increase and blessing. Like the prophets who began cutting beams for their new building, take action that demonstrates your faith in God’s ability to work miraculously in this area. Then, be attentive to how God might be working in unexpected ways, even in the midst of challenges that arise.

Key Takeaways

• God cares about every area of your life—both significant matters and seemingly small things—and is willing to suspend natural laws to work on your behalf.

• When you embrace a life of the miraculous, God can bring increase and growth regardless of your environment or circumstances.

• Experiencing trouble doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; sometimes it means you’re doing something right and the enemy is fighting against you.

• Your past limitations don’t determine your future possibilities—God wants you to plan for growth and expansion.

• God’s miraculous intervention often requires our participation—we must reach out and take hold of what God provides, just as the prophet had to reach for the floating axe head.

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are a God of miracles who cares about every detail of our lives. We confess that sometimes we think too small and limit what You can do based on our past experiences or current circumstances. Lord, help us to enlarge our vision and expect Your supernatural intervention in both the significant challenges and seemingly small matters we face. Give us the courage to step out in faith, planning for the growth and increase You desire to bring. When troubles come, remind us that You are still working and that You will deliver us from every affliction. We leave this discussion with renewed hope and expectation for the miraculous work You want to do in and through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.