Wholehearted Obedience: Unlocking God's Full Blessings

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Will Is Not Limited by Human Wickedness

Even when people in power act with evil intent, God’s sovereign will remains unshaken and is never subject to the plans or witness of the wicked. God may still work through flawed individuals or systems, not because of their merit, but because His name and purpose are attached to the position or situation. This truth is a reminder that God’s providence and plans are always greater than human schemes, and His blessings may flow even in unexpected places, for reasons that are ultimately about His glory and not our worthiness. [01:18:46]

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 doubted that God could work through a broken situation or person? How can you trust His sovereignty today, even when you don’t see how He’s working?

Day 2: God’s Mercy Extends Even to the Undeserving

God’s grace and mercy are not reserved only for the righteous; He often blesses, covers, and helps even those who have not earned it, simply because of His love and faithfulness to His own name. There are moments in every life when, despite our failures, God still provides, protects, and gives us victories we do not deserve. This is a call to humility and gratitude, recognizing that none of us are always saintly, and yet God’s mercy has met us in our lowest places and given us another chance. [01:25:09]

Matthew 5:45 (ESV)
“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Reflection: Recall a time when you received a blessing or mercy you knew you didn’t deserve. How can you express gratitude to God for His unearned favor today?

Day 3: Don’t Settle for Less—Empty Your Quiver

God often places the means and keys to our breakthrough in our own hands, but we must be willing to fully trust Him and exhaust every opportunity He gives us. Like Joash, we risk missing out on the fullness of God’s blessing when we hold back, act cautiously, or do things our own way instead of God’s way. The call is to empty your quiver—use every gift, every opportunity, every act of faith—so that you receive not just what you deserve, but what God has destined for you. [01:31:41]

Psalm 37:1-2 (ESV)
“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.”

Reflection: What “arrows” (gifts, opportunities, steps of faith) are you holding back from using for God? What would it look like to “empty your quiver” today?

Day 4: God’s Ways Are Always Better Than Our Ways

When we insist on doing things our way, we may receive only a fraction of what God intended for us. God’s ways are always higher, wiser, and more fruitful than our own, even when they are hard to understand or require more faith than comfort. Trusting God’s way means surrendering our preferences, our caution, and our desire for control, believing that His promises and destiny for us are far greater than anything we could achieve on our own. [01:37:45]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been doing things your way instead of God’s? What step can you take today to surrender that area to His direction?

Day 5: Develop a Daily, Devoted Relationship with God

The power and presence of God are not meant to be accessed only in moments of crisis or need, but through a daily, devoted relationship with Him. Just as a cow’s milk must be drawn regularly to remain abundant, so too must we seek God’s presence, not just for what He can give, but because we desire to be with Him. A consistent walk with God replenishes our spiritual strength and ensures we are ready for whatever comes, rather than finding ourselves empty when we need Him most. [01:07:43]

John 15:4-5 (ESV)
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God’s presence today—not just for what He can do, but simply to be with Him? What daily habit can you start or renew to deepen your relationship with Him?

Sermon Summary

The God we serve is able to do anything but fail, and His faithfulness is not dependent on our worthiness or perfection. Throughout history, God has demonstrated His love, favor, and mercy, even to those who have strayed or acted in ways unworthy of His blessings. The story of Elisha and King Joash in 2 Kings 13:14-19 is a powerful reminder of this truth. Elisha, though on his deathbed and long removed from public ministry, is approached by the wicked King Joash, who seeks a blessing for victory over his enemies. Despite Joash’s lack of genuine relationship with God and his ulterior motives, God, through Elisha, offers him a chance for complete victory.

This encounter reveals that God’s will and sovereignty are not subject to the character or intentions of people, even those in positions of power who may not honor Him. Sometimes, God blesses not because of who we are, but because of the position or purpose He has ordained. Yet, the story also warns us about the danger of half-hearted obedience. Joash, given the opportunity to secure total victory, chooses to strike the ground only three times with his arrows instead of emptying his quiver as Elisha instructed. As a result, he receives only a partial victory, missing out on the fullness of what God intended for him.

The lesson is clear: God’s grace often exceeds our deserving, but the fullness of His blessing is accessed through wholehearted trust and obedience. We are called not to conserve or hold back what God has given us—our gifts, our faith, our opportunities—but to “empty our quiver,” to give our all in response to His call. When we do things God’s way, even when it doesn’t make sense or seems unnecessary, we position ourselves to receive not just what we deserve, but what God has destined for us. Let us not settle for partial victories or blessings, but trust God enough to fully invest ourselves in His purposes, knowing that His ways are always better than ours.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s faithfulness and blessings are not contingent on our perfection or even our worthiness. Just as God extended mercy and opportunity to the wicked King Joash, He often blesses us in spite of our shortcomings, reminding us that His grace is greater than our failures. This should humble us and inspire gratitude, knowing that we are recipients of unmerited favor. [84:36]
2. The will and sovereignty of God are never subject to the witness or actions of the wicked. God may choose to bless or use even those who do not honor Him, not because of who they are, but because of the position or purpose He has established. This challenges us to trust in God’s overarching plan, even when we see undeserving people prosper. [79:25]
3. Partial obedience leads to partial blessing. Joash’s reluctance to fully follow Elisha’s instructions resulted in only a fraction of the victory God intended for him. When we hold back, act cautiously, or do things our own way instead of God’s, we risk missing out on the fullness of what He desires to give us. [89:59]
4. God often places the means and keys to our breakthrough in our own hands, but it requires faith to act boldly and exhaust the resources He’s given us. The target may be simple—sometimes as simple as striking the ground—but the act of obedience is what unlocks destiny. We must not underestimate the power of simple, faithful action. [92:26]
5. To discern and walk in our destiny, we must trust God’s way over our own preferences. God’s ways are always higher, wiser, and more fruitful than ours, even when they defy our logic or comfort. Settling for what we deserve, rather than what God has destined, is the result of choosing our way over His; let us instead pursue His promise with all we have. [97:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[56:20] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
[57:48] - Honoring the Ministries
[58:16] - Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 13:14-19
[59:56] - The Symbolism of the Arrow
[61:12] - The Principle of Using What God Gives
[63:03] - The Story of the Retired Farmer
[65:40] - Spiritual Dryness and Its Causes
[67:27] - The Call to Daily Devotion
[68:46] - Israel’s Spiritual Decline
[69:20] - Elisha’s Final Days
[73:41] - Joash’s Motives and Approach
[77:22] - God’s Will Over Human Wickedness
[84:36] - God’s Mercy to the Undeserving
[89:59] - The Danger of Holding Back
[92:26] - The Simplicity of Obedience
[97:25] - God’s Ways Are Better
[101:08] - Responding in Faith: Empty Your Quiver
[103:00] - Call to Action and Closing Celebration

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Kings 13:14-19 — Now Elisha had a terminal illness. And while suffering from his terminal illness, King Joash of Israel went down to visit him. He wept before him and he said, "My father, oh my father, the chariot, the horsemen of Israel." And Elisha said unto him, "Take a bow and some arrows." And he did so. Then Elisha told the king of Israel, "Aim the bow." He did so. And Elisha then placed his hands on the king's hands. Elisha then said, "Open up the east window." And he did so. Elisha said, "Shoot." And he did so. Elisha said, "This arrow symbolizes the victory the Lord will give you over Syria, for you will annihilate Syria. You will consume them in effect." Then Elisha said, "Take the arrows." And he did so. And he told the king of Israel, "Strike the ground." He struck the ground three times and stopped. The prophet got angry at him and said, "If you had struck the ground five or six times, you would have completely annihilated Syria. But now you will only defeat them three times."

Observation Questions

What instructions did Elisha give to King Joash regarding the arrows, and how did Joash respond? ([59:19])
According to the passage, what did the first arrow shot out the window symbolize? ([59:56])
How did Elisha react when Joash only struck the ground three times, and what was the consequence? ([01:00:18])
In the sermon, what reason is given for God blessing Joash, even though he was described as a wicked king? ([01:19:25])

Interpretation Questions

Why might God choose to bless someone who does not honor Him, as seen in the story of Joash? What does this reveal about God's character? ([01:19:25])
The sermon says that Joash missed out on the fullness of God’s blessing because he held back. What does this suggest about the relationship between obedience and experiencing God’s promises? ([01:29:59])
The pastor mentions that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection or worthiness. How does this challenge the way people often think about earning God’s favor? ([01:24:36])
What does the act of “emptying your quiver” represent in the life of a believer, according to the sermon? ([01:32:26])

Application Questions

The sermon warns against “half-hearted obedience” like Joash’s. Can you think of a time when you held back in following God’s instructions? What was the result, and what might have happened if you had given your all? ([01:29:59])
The pastor said, “God often places the means and keys to our breakthrough in our own hands, but it requires faith to act boldly and exhaust the resources He’s given us.” What is one area of your life where you sense God is asking you to step out in faith, but you’ve been hesitant? ([01:32:26])
Joash received only a partial victory because he didn’t fully obey. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are settling for “partial victories” instead of the fullness God wants for you? What would it look like to “empty your quiver” in that area? ([01:29:59])
The sermon reminds us that God’s grace is greater than our failures. How does this truth affect the way you approach God after you’ve made mistakes or fallen short? ([01:24:36])
The pastor challenged the church not to “conserve or hold back” what God has given. What gifts, opportunities, or resources do you feel God has placed in your hands that you might be holding back? What is one step you can take this week to use them more fully? ([01:32:26])
The story of Joash shows that God’s ways may not always make sense to us. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that feels unnecessary or uncomfortable? How can you trust Him and obey anyway? ([01:37:25])
The sermon says, “Let us not settle for partial victories or blessings, but trust God enough to fully invest ourselves in His purposes.” What is one practical way you can invest yourself more fully in God’s purposes this month? ([01:37:25])

Sermon Clips

Whatever it is that we're called to in this life, whatever it is that we've been blessed with in this life, whatever it is that you have in this life, the skills, the knowledge, the muscles, the anointing, the gifts, the talents, etc. If you don't actively employ or utilize those variables, if you don't hone them, if you don't apply them, if you don't use them, then over time they will diminish and eventually you will lose them all together. For example, if you stop working your muscles through exercise, they will weaken. If you don't regularly practice speaking a foreign language, your fluency and your vocabulary will likely depreciate. [01:01:25]

This is not only the case as we know for sure physically, mentally, cerebrally, vocationally, categorically, professionally, but it is also the case spiritually. Story is told of a man who recently retired after living in New York City for some 30 years. He moved back down south back home to his native state and land of Georgia. Upon settling in his hometown, the man bought a farm along with several milk cows. Everything was going well for a good little while until he noticed that some of his best cows, i.e. his most expensive and productive cows were no longer producing milk in abundance as they were at first. [01:02:46]

The local feed store owner, who was also a deacon emeritus at one of the local churches after having serving as one for some 37 plus years, had to explain to the gentleman that it does not work that way. He had to tell him, "Sir, a cow's milk is like God's essence. You have to learn how to avail yourself to all of it while it's there. You have to take all of it in that is available because if you don't, you will eventually never have enough when you need it the most. He then told him, he said, "Asking for God's power only in 6 doses or asking sporadically only at your convenience may mean that for you, the source will dry up when you find yourself needing it the most." [01:04:47]

And could it be could it be this morning that your problem today is not the source? It's not God. It's not the Holy Ghost. It's not the cow. It's not the feed store, but rather it's you. and you're constantly going to the Lord only when you need something, only when you need some milk, instead of developing a daily devoted relationship with the Lord, where you're walking with him every day, where you're talking with him every day, not because you want something from him, but merely because you want to be in his presence. [01:07:02]

By the time of this 13th chapter of the book of 2 Kings, the nation of Israel has literally been governed by a consecutive lineage of nefarious and fish kings that have all intentionally ignored and disobeyed the commandments of the Almighty. Israel now as a nation has subsequently drifted far away from the coastline and the covenant mandates of the Lord resulting in the people of God, the witness of God and the presence of God being depreciated and minimized. During this time, Elisha, the prophet of God, is now not only at the end at the omega moment of his career, but he is also at the end the omega moment of his life. [01:08:44]

For 50 years, no king or government seat has received his spiritual counsel. For 50 years, the nation has not heard his prophetic voice or even his oracles emanating from inside the temple. It's been 50 years since he healed the barren grounds of Jericho by adding a touch of salt to the ancient aqueducts of their water system. It's been 50 years since he cursed some weward children for calling him bald-headed. And then out of nowhere, two female bears would emerge out of the forest. And instead of been being 42 kids getting home safely, he now had to preside over the caskets of 42 children at their funerals. [01:10:18]

Joash enters into the prophet's home with all this cir, you know, popping stance and regalia taking place. And then he turns on the waterworks for the prophet starts crying before him, kneeling at his sick bed. Oh my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen of the nation. I love the brevity of the conversation when when you're not in relationship with folk and they need something from you but didn't need you to be in relationship with them until they needed it. When they show up in need, you ain't got to have a lot a long conversation. Watch the text. Elisha never asked the king what he wants. [01:15:17]

Elisha then told the king, "Aim the bow." King did as the prophet instructed. And while he was aiming it, Elisha, do you see it? Then placed his weary, shaking, afflicted hands upon the king's hands. Elisha then told him, "Now open up the east window." And when he opened it up, he screamed at him, "Shoot!" Joash did just as the king said. And the text says that upon shooting one arrow out of the east window that the prophet then gave him a prophecy. What you have done, he said, with this one arrow symbolizes the victory that the Lord is going to give you over Syria. [01:16:01]

It reveals to us first of all, hear this, that the will of God is never subject to the witness of the wicked. Come on, help me preach that. Lean over to somebody and tell them the will of God the will of God is never subject to the witness of the wicked. Oh, hallelujah. In in in in other words, the will of God is perfect. It's providential. It's never insecure. It's never uncertain. It's never unconfident. It's never doubtful. It's never diffident. It's never anxious. It's it's never timid. Okay, some of you need to hear it this way. In other words, the will of God ain't never scared. [01:17:32]

Because every now and then, hear this, God has to demonstrate that it's not about us, it's about him. Every now and then, God has to demonstrate that it's not about what we think, but it's about what he knows. Every now and then, he has to illustrate to us that it's not about our prerogatives, but it's about his purpose. It's not about the messenger, it's about the message. And every now and then, he has to remind us that it's not about our name, but it's about his name. And you know what? I'm here to tell somebody on today that there are some wicked people in this world. [01:19:40]

Sometimes God will bless the person not because of who the person is, but rather because of the position that the person holds. You see the parallel, don't you? You see the allegory, don't you? I got to move on from here. But that's one of the reasons, brother Terry, that the current president keeps getting off scot-free with everything. It's one of the reasons that the current administration keeps getting away with just about everything. It's one of the reasons why the current powers that be keep quote unquote winning at everything. Lord help me. It's because sometimes sometimes even in their wickedness, God will still bless the person. [01:20:52]

Let me just say before we get too high and mighty. That we bring the practicum away from allegory. And we remember that that all of us in here, we ain't always been saints. And even when we have been saints, we ain't always been Saint Lee. Depending on the page or the chapter of the book of our lives, we've been both good and ghastly. Depending on the episode and the season of our lives, we've been both holy and hellish. I'mma preach it anyway. I don't care how you look at me. Depending upon the age or the timetable of our lives, we've been both triumphant and trifling. [01:23:32]

And if we're honest with ourselves, There have been some moments, there have been some seasons, there have been some episodes in our lives where even in the midst of our wickedness, guess what? That God has still favored us. I said he still covered us, still kept us, still anointed us, still had mercy on us, still helped us in our time of need. And when he should have done away with us, this is what he said. Take out your bow. Open up the east window and shoot for the victory that you don't deserve that has your name on it. Because your name ain't got nothing to do with my name. [01:24:40]

The prophet became enraged and he said to the king, "What are you doing? I just told you with your hard-headed self to take up a bow, open up the east window, and the arrow that you shoot out of the east window will symbolize your total victory over all of your enemies. A victory that you don't deserve. I just told you that with one arrow, you'll become victorious over all of your enemies. I then tell you to take up the entire quiver of arrows and strike the floor with the arrows. But instead, instead of emptying your quiver, instead of shooting all of the arrows from within your quiver, you decide that now you going to be cute." [01:28:44]

Let me say that one more time. I said, "Therefore, he now receives what he deserved instead of being gifted with what he'd been destined." Let me say it one more time for somebody online. Baby, I said that because he was complacent, because he got comfortable, and because he decided to do it his way, this wicked king who should not have been shown any mercy whatsoever, he now will receive uh what he deserved instead of being gifted with what he'd been destined. I I I don't know. I I don't know. I don't know how you might feel about it, but but if God is going to have favor over my life, if God is going to have grace over my life, if God is going to have mercy over my life, mercy that I don't deserve, grace that I don't deserve, favor that I don't deserve. [01:34:24]

And therefore, the victory today, the miracle today, the breakthrough today, uh, and the blessing today, uh, that was supposed to be totally ours, we're now only going to get some of it instead of all of it. Because when God gave us the power to do it, we chose to do it our way instead of doing it his way. Hey, but I believe there are some worshippers in here today. who are believing in God, who are trusting in God to gift them today with everything that the Lord has for them. I said, I believe there are some worshippers in here today who are thirsty for God's power, who are thirsty for God's presence, who are thirsty for God's destiny in their lives, and who are ready to start doing some things his way instead of preferring to do it your way. [01:39:47]

God's ways will always be better than man's ways. God's ways will never fail. God's ways never come up short. God's ways are always mighty and marvelous. God's ways are always majestic and miraculous. I said God's ways are always perfect and purposed. I said God's ways are always sovereign and supernatural. I said God's ways are always just and justified. They are holy and helpful. They may not always be easy to see. They may not always be easy to discern. That may not always be easy to explain or prepare for, but trust me when I tell you, God's ways will always be better than man's ways. [01:36:58]

I need some worshippers right now. Pull out the arrows that's in your quiver. Come on. I want to see you do it. I said, pull out some arrows that's in your quiver. Take out your bow. Grab an arrow, place it on the drawstring. Pull back on the drawstring. Aim it at the floor and shoot it right now. Come on. I'mma wait for you. You ain't doing it for me. Let me say it one more time. Take out your quiver. Grab an arrow. Take out your bow. Place it on the drawstring. Aim the bow. Strike the floor. Some of y'all ain't got it. You looking at me. I'm trying to help you. [01:41:11]

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