Strike Until The Battle Is Won Series

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.