The Empty Handle
- Pastor Tim Rigdon
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pastor Tim Rigdon
Sunday, June 19th 2026
Today's Scriptures and Notes:
2 Kings 6:1–7 (NKJV): And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So he answered, “Go.” Then one said, “Please consent to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.” So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.
Because what matters to you… matters to God
Today, God is still making lost things float
I. Growth Creates New Challenges
A church that never grows… has stopped expecting
A Christian who never changes… has stopped surrendering
God never pours out His Spirit… On an unprepared People
II. Every Worker Needs the Presence of God
They didn’t just want his permission… They wanted his presence.
III. The Axe Head Was Borrowed
IV. He Lost the Cutting Edge
2 Timothy 3:5 NKJV: having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
V. Four Places We Lose the Anointing and Passion
In the Waters of Offense and Bitterness
When you choose to carry a grudge, you unconsciously drop your oil.
In the Busyness of Performance
In the Comfort of Compromise and Secret Sin
Unconfessed sin dulls your spiritual senses.
Genesis 6:3 ESV: Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.”
In the Fog of Fatigue and Discouragement
Disappointment is a vacuum that sucks out spiritual zeal.
We must never confuse activity… …with anointing
He Knew Exactly Where He Lost It
Restoration begins with honesty -
You cannot recover… …what you refuse to admit you’ve lost
Revelation 2:5 NKJV: Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
VII. God Makes the Impossible Float
VIII. God Restores More Than We Expect
IX. God Did the Miracle—The Prophet Had to Respond
God will bring it within reach…
…but He won’t force you to take it.
Do not let ministry or routine become your spiritual grave site
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