Read 2 Kings 13:14-20

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete in history Competing in five different games, Phelps won a remarkable 28 medals, 23 of which are gold medals. The primary reason Phelps has won at such an amazing level is that he never does anything half-heartedly when it comes to preparing for competition. Phelps’ entire life is completely committed to reaching his goals.

In this passage, Jehoash king of Israel seeks counsel from an aged Elisha about fighting the king of Aram. Elisha commands Jehoash king of Israel to do some unusual things with arrows…

Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times…2 Kings 13:18-19 NIV

Jehoash was obedient but only half-heartedly and because he only half-heartedly followed instructions, Elisha declared that he should only expect half-hearted results.

If you truly wants to become everything God has created you to be, you must have a complete and total commitment to following Christ. Half-hearted devotion to God’s word and to following His lead will never lead to victory in Christ.

How would you describe your obedience to God’s word and calling in your life?

What are some of the things that distract you from being fully committed to Christ?

Dear God, forgive me for being half-hearted in my faith for You. Give me the strength and courage to live for You with everything I have! In Jesus’ name, amen.

(This devotion first appeared in the periodical Take 5 Plus.)