Persistent Faith: Striking for God's Full Blessing

Summary

In 2 Kings 13, we find King Joash standing before the prophet Elisha, desperate for deliverance from Syria. Elisha, though on his deathbed, gives Joash a simple but profound instruction: take the arrows and strike the ground. Joash obeys, but only half-heartedly, striking three times and then stopping. Elisha is angered—not because Joash disobeyed, but because he lacked passion and persistence. The number of times Joash struck the ground determined the measure of his victory, and by stopping short, he limited what God was ready to do.

This moment is a powerful reminder that God often places the opportunity for victory in our hands, but it requires more than mere obedience—it demands fervor, faith, and perseverance. Too many live with regret, haunted by “what might have been” because they gave up too soon or approached God’s promises with casualness. God’s gifts and callings are without repentance; He does not withdraw His purpose, but we can forfeit the fullness of His blessing by failing to press on.

God is looking for people who will keep striking—who will keep praying, keep believing, and keep working, even when the results are not immediate or the path is unclear. The difference between breakthrough and disappointment is often just a few more steps of faith, a few more prayers, a few more acts of obedience. Like the widow who kept pouring oil into every vessel she could find, or the disciples who kept serving bread to the multitudes, the blessing of God flows as long as we remain faithful and focused.

Distractions, discouragement, and the opinions of others can easily derail us. The enemy will use anything to get us to stop short of God’s best. But if we shut the door to doubt and keep our eyes on what God has called us to do, we will see His provision and power. Whether it’s healing, financial breakthrough, or spiritual growth, the principle remains: don’t stop short. Keep striking until the victory is complete.

Key Takeaways

- Passionate Persistence Unlocks God’s Promises
God’s instructions to Joash were not just about obedience, but about the spirit in which he obeyed. Half-hearted effort leads to half-measured blessings. When we approach God’s promises with passion and persistence, refusing to settle for less, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of what He desires to give. [11:02]

- Don’t Let Distractions or Discouragement Derail Your Faith
The enemy often sends distractions—offenses, busyness, or doubts—to interrupt our pursuit of God’s best. When we allow these things to take our focus, we risk missing out on the breakthrough that was just within reach. Staying focused and refusing to let go, even when it’s hard, is essential for victory. [22:43]

- Obedience Without Understanding Still Brings Blessing
The widow who filled the vessels with oil didn’t need to understand the whole plan; she just needed to obey. God often asks us to take steps that don’t make sense in the moment. Trusting Him enough to act, even without all the answers, opens the door for miracles we could never have imagined. [25:44]

- God’s Call Remains, Even When We Feel Like Quitting
Life’s challenges, disappointments, or even our own failures do not cancel God’s calling on our lives. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. Even when we feel like giving up, we are called to keep working, keep serving, and keep believing, knowing that God is still at work through us. [31:57]

- The Difference Between Defeat and Victory Is Often “Just Two More Hits”
Many give up just before the breakthrough, not realizing how close they are to answered prayer or a new season. If Joash had struck the ground just a couple more times, his victory would have been complete. In our own lives, perseverance—praying one more prayer, serving one more time, forgiving one more offense—can be the difference between defeat and victory. [34:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:23] - Setting the Scene: Elisha and Joash
[10:10] - The Command to Strike the Ground
[11:02] - The Danger of Stopping Short
[15:28] - Trusting God Beyond What We Feel
[16:49] - The Cost of Convenience in Spiritual Life
[20:11] - The Blessing in Persistent Effort
[22:43] - Distractions and the Enemy’s Tactics
[24:39] - The Widow’s Obedience and Overflow
[25:44] - Focusing on God’s Instructions
[28:20] - Living Victoriously Through Faith
[31:57] - The Call to Keep Serving
[34:04] - Perseverance: Just Two More Hits
[35:02] - Announcements and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Keep Striking Until the Victory is Complete”

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### Bible Reading

2 Kings 13:14-19 (ESV)
> Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands. And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”

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### Observation Questions

1. What specific instructions did Elisha give to King Joash, and how did Joash respond? ([10:10])
2. According to the sermon, why was Elisha angry with Joash after he struck the ground only three times? ([11:02])
3. In the story of the widow and the oil (2 Kings 4, referenced in the sermon), what did the widow have to do to receive her miracle? ([24:39])
4. What was the result of Joash’s half-hearted obedience? ([10:10])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the number of times Joash struck the ground mattered so much to Elisha and to God? What does this reveal about God’s expectations for our faith and obedience? ([11:02])
2. The sermon mentions that God’s gifts and callings are “without repentance”—He doesn’t take them back. How does this truth affect the way we should respond to setbacks or disappointments in our spiritual lives? ([11:02])
3. The widow was told to borrow as many vessels as she could and to shut the door behind her. What might be the significance of “shutting the door” and focusing only on God’s instructions, even when others might not understand? ([24:39])
4. The disciples were told by Jesus to keep serving the crowd, even when it seemed impossible. What does this teach us about perseverance in ministry or service, especially when we feel overwhelmed? ([31:57])

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### Application Questions

1. Can you think of a time when you stopped “striking the ground” too soon—when you gave up on something God was calling you to do? What was the result, and what might have happened if you had persisted a little longer? ([11:02])
2. The sermon warns about distractions and discouragements that can derail our faith. What are some specific distractions or discouragements in your life right now that might be causing you to stop short of God’s best? How can you “shut the door” to these this week? ([22:43])
3. The widow didn’t need to understand the whole plan—she just needed to obey. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that doesn’t make sense? What would it look like to trust and obey, even without all the answers? ([25:44])
4. The difference between defeat and victory was “just two more hits.” Is there an area in your life—prayer, serving, forgiving, giving—where you need to take “two more hits” instead of stopping? What practical step can you take this week? ([34:04])
5. The sermon says, “God is looking for people who will keep striking—who will keep praying, keep believing, and keep working, even when the results are not immediate or the path is unclear.” Which of these (praying, believing, working) is hardest for you to keep doing when you don’t see results? Why? ([11:02])
6. Have you ever let the opinions or negativity of others keep you from following through on what God told you to do? How can you “shut the door” to those voices and stay focused on God’s instructions? ([24:39])
7. The sermon reminds us that God’s call remains, even when we feel like quitting. Is there a calling or area of service you’ve stepped away from because of discouragement or failure? What would it look like to return to that calling with renewed passion? ([31:57])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for renewed passion and perseverance to keep “striking the ground” in every area He has called you to, and for the strength to shut the door to distractions and discouragements.

Devotional

Day 1: Keep Striking Until the Victory Is Won
God calls us to persistent, passionate action in faith, not half-hearted or casual obedience. When King Joash was instructed by Elisha to strike the ground with arrows, he did so only three times and stopped, missing out on the full victory God had prepared for him. This story reminds us that God desires us to keep pressing forward, to keep praying, and to keep believing, even when we do not see immediate results. Our blessings often require perseverance and wholehearted commitment, not just a few attempts or minimal effort. If we keep striking—keep praying, keep serving, keep trusting—God will honor our faith and bring about the victory He has promised. [10:10]

2 Kings 13:14-19 (ESV)
Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands. And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”

Reflection: Where in your life have you stopped short, settling for less than what God has promised? What would it look like to “keep striking” in that area today?


Day 2: Obedience Opens the Door to Overflow
When God gives instructions, even if they seem unusual or difficult, obedience brings blessing. The widow who faced losing her sons to debt followed Elisha’s command to gather many vessels and pour out her last bit of oil. She shut the door to distractions and doubts, focusing only on what God had told her to do. As she obeyed, the oil kept flowing until every vessel was filled, and her need was met abundantly. God’s provision is often limited only by our willingness to trust and obey Him fully, shutting out disbelief and faithfully doing what He asks. [25:44]

2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV)
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”

Reflection: What is one step of obedience God is asking of you right now, even if you don’t understand the outcome? Will you take that step today, shutting the door to distractions and doubts?


Day 3: Don’t Let Distractions or Discouragement Stop Your Prayers
The enemy will use distractions, discouragement, and even other people to try to stop you from praying and believing for your breakthrough. Just as the widow had to shut the door to naysayers and focus on God’s promise, we must guard our hearts and minds against anything that would pull us away from prayer and faith. Every time you pray, you are building a barrier against the enemy’s work and drawing closer to God’s answer. Don’t let anger, bitterness, or the opinions of others keep you from the place of prayer—keep on striking, keep on praying, and don’t give up until the blessing comes. [22:43]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What distraction or discouragement has been keeping you from consistent prayer? How can you “shut the door” to it today and make time to seek God?


Day 4: God’s Power Flows Through Our Willing Service
God often chooses to work through our hands and our willingness to serve, even when the task seems overwhelming or the need is great. When Jesus fed the five thousand, He involved the disciples in the miracle, asking them to organize the people and distribute the food. The blessing came as they obeyed and served, not as they sat back or gave up. In the same way, God calls us to keep working, keep serving, and keep doing what He has called us to do, even when we don’t see immediate results. Our faithfulness in service is the channel through which God’s power and provision flow. [31:57]

Matthew 14:15-21 (ESV)
Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Reflection: Where is God calling you to serve or keep serving, even when it feels overwhelming? What is one practical way you can step out in service today?


Day 5: Passionate Perseverance Brings God’s Blessing
God is looking for people who will not quit, who will keep praying, keep working, and keep believing until the answer comes. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance—He does not take them back, even if we get discouraged or distracted. Sometimes, we are just “two hits away” from the breakthrough or blessing we have been seeking. Don’t let setbacks, disappointments, or the passage of time cause you to give up. Instead, renew your passion, refocus your heart, and keep moving forward in faith. God honors those who persevere with all their heart, mind, and soul. [34:04]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Reflection: What is one area where you feel like giving up? How can you renew your passion and keep pressing forward in faith today?

Quotes

The saddest words of tongue or pen are the words what might have been, and there are people that have lived their life in regret because they never attempted the impossible. You see, I know there's many times people have thought not to spend their life overworking or trying to do too much, but then somewhere on the line they began to contemplate if only, if only I had gone a little bit further with that thought, if only I'd worked a little bit harder. [00:11:37] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

This is how God expects us to have a passion. This is how God expects us to move. And if we have the Holy Spirit moving in us and through us, that's the kind of passion we'll have. That deuteronomy power to keep on going in spite of the obstacles, instead of what we can feel and all the circumstances around us, we've got to keep on trusting in God. [00:16:15] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

A lot of times people want God to do all the work. They don't want to do the work themselves. They don't want to wait and tarry out by the wayside. They don't want to go to the altar and pray. They don't want to have to seek the face of God. I want to go to the preacher and you pray and give me my blessing. [00:18:48] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

Brother, we have to really look at it. God is looking at us. He said, examine yourself, whether you be in the faith. This man won an instant victory. If I go to him, and if he prays, everything will happen instantaneously. But that's not how life goes. We have to learn how to pray at the altar and pray those bills paid, pray our body healed, pray that our children, our family is taken care of. It's God's desire that we do all we can, and we keep on striking. [00:21:11] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

If you want deliverance, if you want to place your debt free, if you want to get to a place, no more fear, no more anxiety, no more things going on in your life, you've got to keep on praying. And there are those that are passionate about their healings. Oh, I believe my God can take away this cancer. I believe that my God can touch my body. I believe that God can do a work, and they pray in the morning, and they pray in the afternoon, and they let nothing stop them. [00:22:06] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

Many times, people want that instantaneous victory, and that's not how it works. You've got to spend the time. If you want deliverance, it's because you stayed on your face before God, and you prayed for deliverance. If you want help, it's because you stayed in prayer and devotion and commitment. [00:22:45] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

Every time that you began to pray, you were putting up a two-by-four to block him and his work, and he could not let that go. So somebody had to come along and get your attention, distract you, cause you problems, cause you to act up, whatever the case may be, and your prayer stopped. Tonight, the message is keep on striking. Friends, don't give up, don't become distracted, don't let things get to you. You've got to stay on the firing line and keep on going for God and be what God wants you to be. [00:23:27] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

Brother, if you had just kept on going, you were already two hits away from that new car that you wanted. You were two hits away from that new job. You were two hits away from being healed. All you had to do was keep on going, but you backed it all the way to the beginning. And you gave up. That's not what God wants. Quitters don't win. And winners don't quit. [00:24:12] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

Many times you'll be more blessed if you just focus on what God tells you to do and let everything else work itself out. How God's going to do it, when God's going to do it, the fashion which God's going to do it. That's not about concern. We put one foot in front of the other and we walk on the path that God has called us to walk down. And we do what God wants us to do. [00:27:40] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

But God wants to know, are you going to make him a priority? Are you going to keep on going? See, the king of Israel, he had a haphazard attitude. Just two or three arrows, three arrows, and throw them on the ground, and yeah, that's it. That's not enough when you're desperate for blessings. You keep on working for God. You keep on working. [00:33:27] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip