HOW FAR WILL YOU GO WITH GOD

TITLE: HOW FAR WILL YOU GO WITH GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  2 Kings 2:1-14 
Supporting Texts: Luke 9:62, Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:13-14

INTRODUCTION 
The Christian journey requires commitment, perseverance, and a heart that desires to go the distance with God. In the story of Elijah and Elisha, we see a powerful example of persistence and dedication. Elisha’s journey with Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel, Jericho, and finally across the Jordan River illustrates how far one must go to receive God's best. Elisha was determined not to give up, and his persistence paid off when he received the double portion of Elijah’s anointing. The question we must ask ourselves today is: *How far are we willing to go with God?*

1. THE CALL TO FOLLOW GOD FULLY 

a) Elisha’s Commitment to Elijah 
Elisha’s journey began when he was called by Elijah while plowing his field (1 Kings 19:19-21). He immediately left everything behind to follow Elijah. His commitment was absolute, and he was willing to go wherever Elijah went. This level of dedication is what God expects from His followers. Elisha’s persistence symbolizes the determination we must have to follow God wholeheartedly, no matter where the journey takes us.

b) Our Call to Follow Christ 
In the same way, Jesus calls us to follow Him with full commitment. In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” The Christian life is not for the faint-hearted. It requires focus, determination, and an unwavering desire to keep moving forward with God, just as Elisha did with Elijah.

Biblical Example:
The twelve disciples of Jesus left everything to follow Him, and their commitment changed the world. Like Elisha, they faced challenges but remained dedicated to the call.

2. ELISHA’S JOURNEY: GILGAL, BETHEL, JERICHO, AND THE JORDAN 

a) From Gilgal to Bethel 
Gilgal represents the place of beginnings, where the Israelites first entered the Promised Land (Joshua 4:19-20). For Elisha, it was the starting point of his journey. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was the next destination. It symbolizes a deeper experience of God's presence. Elisha did not settle at Gilgal, but moved forward to Bethel. Likewise, we must move from the starting point of our faith to a deeper walk with God, always seeking more of His presence.

b) From Bethel to Jericho 
Jericho, a city of conquest, represents battles and spiritual warfare. After experiencing God’s presence, we often face challenges and battles that test our faith. Elisha’s journey to Jericho shows that we must press through spiritual challenges if we are to receive God’s full blessing.

c) From Jericho to the Jordan 
The Jordan River was a place of transition and breakthrough. Elisha followed Elijah across the Jordan, symbolizing his readiness to step into the next level of his calling. It is here that Elisha’s persistence was rewarded with the double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This illustrates that after we persevere through various stages of spiritual growth, we enter into our divine inheritance and the fullness of God’s blessing.

Biblical Example: 
Moses and the Israelites had to cross the Red Sea and the Jordan River to reach their Promised Land. Similarly, Elisha had to cross the Jordan to step into his new mantle of authority and anointing.

3. PERSEVERANCE AND PERSISTENCE IN THE JOURNEY
 
a) Elisha Refused to Give Up 
At each stage of the journey, Elijah told Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha refused, saying, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you” (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6). This shows that the path to receiving God's promises is not always easy. There will be opportunities to stop, quit, or turn back, but we must persevere. Elisha's persistence ensured that he did not miss out on the double portion of anointing. How many blessings have been lost because people gave up too soon?

b) Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are reminded to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Elisha’s focus on the prize—the double portion—kept him moving forward, just as our focus on Christ should keep us moving in faith despite challenges.

Biblical Example: 
The Apostle Paul exemplified this mindset in Philippians 3:13-14 when he said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s persistence allowed him to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God.

4. THE REWARD OF PERSISTENCE 

a) The Double Portion Anointing
Elisha’s journey culminated in him receiving what he had desired—a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This was a direct result of his persistence and refusal to give up. He was not content with mediocrity; he wanted the fullness of what God had for him. God honours those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), and He rewards persistence with His divine favour and blessing.

b) The Impact of Elisha’s Ministry 
After receiving the double portion, Elisha’s ministry was marked by powerful miracles and great influence. He carried the mantle of Elijah and impacted the nation of Israel in profound ways. Similarly, when we persevere in our walk with God, we receive His anointing and are empowered to make a difference in our generation.

Biblical Example: 
Jacob wrestled with God all night, refusing to let go until he was blessed (Genesis 32:26). His persistence led to a name change and a new destiny. When we persist in seeking God’s best, we too will experience transformation and blessing.

5. HOW FAR WILL YOU GO WITH GOD? 

a) Don’t Settle for Less
Many believers are content to stay at Gilgal, the place of beginnings, or Bethel, where they experience God’s presence. But God is calling us to go further, to press through Jericho’s battles and cross over into the fullness of His promises. We must refuse to settle for less than God’s best and be willing to go the distance with Him, just as Elisha did.

b) Keep Moving Forward
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, there is always more to discover and more to experience in God. He is calling you to deeper levels of faith, commitment, and anointing. Will you keep moving forward, or will you stop short of the double portion?

CONCLUSION 
Elisha’s journey with Elijah teaches us the importance of persistence and perseverance in our walk with God. Elisha refused to give up, no matter the challenges, and he was rewarded with a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. The question remains: *How far will you go with God?* Will you be content to stop at Gilgal or Bethel, or will you press through Jericho and cross the Jordan to receive all that God has for you? May we, like Elisha, have the determination to follow God fully, no matter the cost, and receive His richest blessings.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, give me the strength and determination to follow You fully, no matter the challenges. 

2. Father, help me not to settle for less, but to press into the fullness of Your promises. 

3. Lord, teach me to persevere and keep moving forward in my faith journey. 

4. Father, let me experience the double portion of Your anointing as I seek You with all my heart.
 
5. Lord, remove every obstacle that stands in the way of my spiritual progress. 

6. Father, increase my desire for more of You and deeper levels of faith. 

7. Lord, grant me the persistence to follow You through every stage of life. 

8. Father, let Your anointing flow through my life, impacting those around me for Your glory. 

9. Lord, I refuse to give up or turn back; help me to keep my eyes on You. 

10. Father, let me experience supernatural breakthrough as I follow You without reservation.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that you will not stop at Gilgal, Bethel, or Jericho, but you will cross the Jordan and
enter into your divine inheritance. 

2. You will receive the double portion of God’s anointing as you press into His presence. 

3. I decree that no obstacle will stop your progress; you are moving forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

4. Every battle at Jericho will be conquered, and you will emerge victorious. 

5. I declare that God is taking you to new levels of faith, anointing, and influence. 

6. You will not settle for less than God’s best; you will pursue Him with all your heart. 

7. Your life will be a testimony of God’s faithfulness as you persevere in your journey with Him. 

8. I decree that you will walk in supernatural favour and breakthrough in every area of your life. 

9. You will experience divine transformation and blessing as you persist in seeking God. 

10. I declare that your faith journey