Faithful to the Finish Line

Joshua 14:6–14

Preached on 8.17.25 AM
The Preacher’s Pen – Pastor Craig Hudgins

Illustration

In 2008, DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles caught a long pass and appeared to score a touchdown. But in his excitement, he dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line. He did not finish the play. The touchdown did not count.

Today, I want to preach to you from the life of Caleb on the subject of being faithful to the finish line.

1. His Faithfulness in the Waiting (vv. 6–8)

• Caleb’s story spans 45 years. He dreamed a dream, carried the Word in his heart, and from age 40 to 85, he lived faithfully before seeing God complete his promise.

• Caleb reminded Joshua of what the Lord had spoken to Moses: the land would be his. He believed before he saw it.

• He stood against the majority when they doubted. He stayed faithful to God’s Word. He stepped up to live for God when others would not.

One of the great problems in the church world today is we are not willing to wait on God’s best. We pray, but if God does not move quickly, we move for Him. What if you had to wait 45 years for an answered prayer? Caleb did.

2. His Faithfulness in the Walking (vv. 9–11)

• Caleb didn’t quit after one year, five years, or even ten years. He waited 45 years, still walking step by step toward God’s promise.

• His walking wasn’t passive — it was active. He worked toward his goal, and that kept him strong. At age 85, he was still as strong as when he was young.

• Many people start strong and hope to finish strong, but they forget the long middle of the journey. That “middle” requires perseverance.

Caleb didn’t complain, didn’t delegate away his responsibility, and didn’t forget God’s promise. He just kept walking faithfully toward it.

3. His Faithfulness in the Winning (vv. 12–14)

• Caleb didn’t ask for the easy win. He asked for a mountain still inhabited by giants. At 85, he said: “If the Lord will help me, I will drive them out.”

• God honored Caleb’s zeal and gave him the land.

• Today, many want victory without effort, blessing without sacrifice, and service only if it suits them. But the Christian life is a daily walk of sacrifice.

Salvation is once-for-all, but our service is continual. There aren’t multiple finish lines — there is one. And we must be faithful all the way until we see the Lord.

A Key Reminder

“You can fake loyalty, but you can’t fake faithfulness.”

Joshua (and Caleb) stood faithful not for one year, or five, but for forty-five. At 85, God gave Caleb his mountain.

As we begin our 103rd year at West End Baptist Church, may I encourage you: remain faithful to God, to the work, and to those who count on your faithfulness.

Four Quick Sub-Points on Faithfulness

1. Sometimes Faithfulness is Invisible.

   • Jesus said to pray in secret, to give in secret, to fast without show. Much faithfulness is seen only by God.

2. Sometimes Faithfulness is Visible.

   • We don’t serve to be seen, but faithfulness inspires others. Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.”

3. Sometimes Faithfulness is Difficult.

   • We wrestle not against flesh and blood. The devil fights hard against those who remain faithful.

4. Sometimes Faithfulness is Productive.

   • Faith produces fruit. The four friends who carried the man with palsy saw a miracle because of their faith.

Closing Thought

Think about the land Caleb waited to inherit — Hebron.

• Once held by giants, now held by God’s people.

• A priestly city.

• The seat of David’s throne.

• Even today, in the West Bank, it is coveted by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike.

It was once just a dream, just a mountain.
But what Caleb was willing to seek and work toward became the desire of the nations.