Intensity

“‘Take the arrows’ . . . ‘Strike the ground,’ and he struck it three times and stopped. So the man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you would have destroyed it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times.’” 2 Kings 13:18-19 NASB

Israel’s King Joash was moved when the prophet Elisha became gravely ill. The king came to the prophet, and “wept over him.” Seeming to seek a word about the future, the king said, “My father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!”

Elisha responded by giving Joash two assignments. First, he shot some arrows through the east window. The prophet was pleased. His interpretation? This was an “arrow of victory.”

Then, the prophet then told him to strike the ground with arrows. “He struck it three times and stopped.” While Joash felt that this was an adequate response, Elisha reacted with anger. For the king had been lukewarm in his response. The prophet told him that, had he been more intense in striking the ground, he would have experienced complete victory. But, instead, their successes only would be partial.

His actions demonstrated that he was half-hearted, and lacked intensity and commitment. If he was not willing to do his best in a situation like this, Elisha knew that he would have the same level of commitment in his war against Aram.

This story provides an important lesson. You will face a variety of situations in your life. And through every situation, you reveal deep truths about your priorities, your heart, and your level of commitment.

Today, commit your life anew to God, and resolve to do your best in every situation with your time, talent, and treasure. Be intense in your commitment to Him and His Kingdom. Dedicate yourself to Him in everything you do!

Prayer: Father, thank You for all You have given me. I will seek first Your Kingdom. I will do my best for You in every situation I face. I will serve You with excellence! In Jesus’ name. Amen.