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🔑 Scripture Focus:

2 Kings 13:4–5 (NLT)
“Then Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord’s help, and the Lord heard his prayer, for he could see how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. So the Lord provided someone to rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of the Arameans. Then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days.”

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✨ Devotional Title: He Still Hears

Reading about King Jehoahaz in 2 Kings 13 reminds us of something we sometimes forget: God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He listens. Jehoahaz “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (v. 2), yet when the oppression became unbearable, he cried out to God. And God, in His mercy, heard him.

What stands out to me is this: even though Jehoahaz’s life was not one of full obedience, the Lord still responded to his sincere cry for help.

🕊️ That’s who God is—gracious, compassionate, and full of mercy. Even when our walk is unsteady, if our heart turns to Him in honesty, He responds.

I’ve had those moments, too—when I wonder:
•Is God hearing me?
•Did I pray “good enough”?
•Is something I’m doing blocking my prayers?

The enemy loves to whisper doubts:

“You’re not reading enough.”
“You didn’t witness this week.”
“You messed up again.”

But when I look at how God responded to Jehoahaz—not because he was righteous, but because he cried out with a sincere heart—I remember: It’s not about being good enough. It’s about turning to the One who is.

Jesus secured that access for us on the cross. God didn’t even spare His own Son. So how much more will He hear us, rescue us, and help us when we cry out to Him now?

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🔥 The Lesson of the Arrows

(2 Kings 13:17–19)

In one of Elisha’s final prophetic acts, he told King Jehoash to shoot an arrow—declaring it “the Lord’s arrow of victory over Aram.” But then Elisha said, “Now strike the ground with the arrows.” Jehoash struck the ground only three times… and stopped. Elisha became angry. “You should have struck five or six times! Then you would’ve completely destroyed your enemy.”

💥 The king’s response was too passive—and it limited the victory God wanted to give.

And isn’t that us sometimes?

We pray… a little.
We obey… to a point.
We fight spiritual battles… but let up too soon.

⚔️ But the enemy doesn’t let up. And too many of us—and our families—have suffered because we’ve stopped short of striking with all our strength.

Elisha’s frustration wasn’t about a ritual. It was about missed opportunity. God had full victory ready, but the king didn’t press in. He didn’t keep striking.

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🛠️ How Do We Strike Today?

1.With the Word of God.
Speak it. Believe it. Stand on it. It is your sword (Eph. 6:17).
2.Through Prayer.
Pray persistently. Cry out like Jehoahaz. Don’t quit when answers feel slow.
3.With Obedience.
Each time you say “yes” to God—even in the small things—you’re taking ground.
4.In Worship.
Praise breaks chains. It shifts the atmosphere.
5.By Rejecting Compromise.
Delete the distraction. Walk away from what tempts you. Stay holy.

We don’t just want relief—we want freedom. Not a partial win—but a total breakthrough.

So keep striking.

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👑 Amaziah: Starting Strong Isn’t Enough

(2 Kings 14, 2 Chronicles 25)

Amaziah “did what was right in the Lord’s sight,” but not like David. He had some obedience—but it wasn’t wholehearted (2 Chronicles 25:2). At first, he listened to God, even letting go of troops God warned him not to use.

But after one victory, pride crept in. He brought home idols from the enemy he defeated—and started worshiping them. God sent a prophet to warn him, but he refused to listen.

Amaziah started well… but didn’t finish well.

This reminds me to ask:
•Am I following God out of routine—or out of love?
•Am I listening to Him only when it’s convenient—or even when it costs me?

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🪞 Lesson for Me:
•God hears me when my prayer is sincere. His mercy isn’t based on my perfection.
•Halfhearted obedience limits the victory He wants to bring.
•I want to finish strong—not start well and fall short like Amaziah.

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📚 New Testament Tie-In: 2 Timothy 3

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3 that in the last days, people will have “a form of godliness but deny its power” (v. 5). That’s what we see in Amaziah—religious behavior without real heart transformation.

But Paul continues: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true…” (vv. 16–17). These stories aren’t just ancient history—they’re present-day instruction.

Let’s learn from these kings—not just about their failures, but about the patience of our God and the power He wants to release when we walk in full devotion.

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📝 Application Questions:
1.Am I believing that God hears me even when I feel unworthy?
2.Am I “striking the arrows” with bold faith—or holding back in fear or laziness?
3.Is my obedience partial like Amaziah’s, or fully surrendered?
4.What thought or lie from the enemy do I need to reject today so I can pray with confidence?

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🙏 Prayer:

Lord, thank You for hearing me—not because I’ve earned it, but because You are kind and compassionate. Strengthen me to obey fully and to keep praying boldly. Help me reject the enemy’s lies and rest in the truth that I am Yours. Give me faith that endures and obedience that’s wholehearted—not halfway. In Jesus’ name, amen.