STRIKE UNTIL THE BATTLE IS WON

STRIKE UNTIL THE BATTLE IS WON

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 13:14-19

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews 10:35-36; Galatians 6:9; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 8:37

INTRODUCTION:
There are moments in life when the outcome of a battle is not just determined by the enemy's strength or the Lord’s promise—but by how persistently we act in faith. In 2 Kings 13, King Joash visits the dying prophet Elisha, and what unfolds is a prophetic drama filled with destiny implications. Elisha gives the king specific instructions involving arrows, symbolising victory over Syria, Israel's enemy.

At first, Joash obeys as Elisha places his hands on the king’s hands and declares “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance.” However, when told to strike the ground with the remaining arrows, Joash strikes only three times and stops. Elisha becomes angry, telling him he should have struck five or six times to ensure total victory. Because he stopped early, he would defeat Syria only three times instead of completely.

This account reveals that partial obedience, half-hearted efforts, and spiritual laziness can limit the fullness of God’s intended victories. Many believers fail to receive all God has for them because they stop striking too soon.

1. GOD’S PROMISES REQUIRE OUR PARTICIPATION
Victory is not automatic—it requires corresponding action.

a) God declared deliverance, but Joash still had to shoot the arrow (v.17)
He was told, “Shoot,” and he obeyed—faith moves with instruction.

b) Prophetic words open doors, but our actions determine how far we go
The arrow was symbolic, but without obedience, it would remain only a symbol.

c) Victory must be appropriated through engagement, not passivity
Promises must be acted upon to be realised.

d) Many lose battles because they expect God to do what He told them to do
There is a part heaven plays—and a part you must play.

Biblical Example: Peter had to cast the net again to see the miraculous catch (Luke 5:4–6).

2. PARTIAL EFFORT LEADS TO PARTIAL RESULTS
Stopping too soon can reduce what could have been total victory.

a) Joash struck three times and stopped—this angered the prophet (v.18–19)
He did not go far enough, and it cost him complete victory.

b) Spiritual breakthroughs often require persistence beyond comfort
Three strikes seemed enough to Joash, but not to God.

c) Half-hearted obedience is disobedience in disguise
God measures our faith not just in action, but in the depth of it.

d) Sometimes what limits us is not the enemy, but our own inconsistency
God was ready for full victory, but Joash limited it.

Biblical Example: The Israelites stopped short at Kadesh-Barnea and wandered for 40 years (Numbers 14:39–45).

3. PERSISTENCE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS CRUCIAL
Many victories are lost not because God is weak, but because we quit too soon.

a) You must keep striking until the battle is completely won
Don’t stop praying, fasting, declaring, or serving.

b) Perseverance is the currency for full possession of spiritual territory
Winners are those who outlast resistance.

c) Heaven favours those who refuse to give up mid-process
Keep pressing until the promise becomes reality.

d) Your last blow might be the one that breaks the wall
Don't stop just before the miracle manifests.

Biblical Example: Elijah prayed seven times before rain came (1 Kings 18:42–45).

4. SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY IS NECESSARY IN PROPHETIC MOMENTS
Joash did not realise the moment he was in.

a) There are moments when heaven opens strategic doors of opportunity
Joash missed the weight of Elisha’s instructions.

b) Discerning the value of prophetic acts determines the result
Some spiritual instructions are disguised as simple tests.

c) Sensitivity to divine timing leads to greater victories
Joash acted carelessly in a sacred moment.

d) Many believers treat divine encounters casually—and miss destiny moments
Every instruction from God is a doorway to something bigger.

Biblical Example: The ten virgins who lacked oil missed their moment (Matthew 25:1–13).

5. NEVER LIMIT GOD THROUGH SMALL EXPECTATIONS
How you respond to God’s word reflects what you believe about Him.

a) God had more in mind than Joash’s limited expectation
He could have had complete deliverance, but settled for partial.

b) Don’t bring a small cup to an ocean of possibilities
Let your faith stretch to the size of God’s power.

c) Ask big, believe big, strike long—God can do it all
There are no limits with God, only what we settle for.

d) God is ready to exceed expectations—if we allow Him
Don’t cut short what heaven is ready to complete.

Biblical Example: Jabez asked boldly and was granted all he requested (1 Chronicles 4:9–10).

CONCLUSION:
Many people are one step away from full victory but give up too soon. Joash teaches us that how far we go with God depends on how fully we engage with His instruction. The arrows of victory are in your hands—keep striking until the battle is won. Don’t stop at three when five or six will secure full dominion.

Let this be a call to spiritual persistence. Don’t settle for partial breakthroughs when full deliverance is available. Heaven is watching how many times you’ll strike—keep going until the enemy is fully defeated and the victory is complete.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from spiritual laziness and inconsistency.
2. I receive grace to persist until my victory is complete.
3. Father, open my eyes to the power in prophetic instructions.
4. I reject every spirit of partial success—my victory shall be full.
5. Lord, let my faith grow beyond small expectations.
6. I receive divine strength to strike until the enemy is defeated.
7. Let me never treat sacred moments with casualness.
8. Restore every victory I have lost through spiritual negligence.
9. Lord, enlarge my capacity to believe and to act boldly.
10. I shall not stop short—I will finish strong and in full dominion.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:

1.  Your obedience will determine the measure of your victory.

2.  As you persist, you will see the walls fall and the enemy defeated.

3.  God is giving you another chance—strike again!

4.  You are stepping into complete victory, not partial breakthrough.

5. The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance is in your hand—use it well.