“I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.” — Joshua 14:11-12a
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Starting strong is important, but finishing strong is what truly matters. Many start well but fade before the finish line.
In Numbers 13-14, Israel reached the edge of the Promised Land. Twelve spies were sent in, but only Caleb and Joshua had faith. Caleb declared, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). While others saw giants, Caleb trusted God. Because of his faithfulness, God promised him a special plot of land. Caleb finished strong.
What does it take to finish strong? Unwavering faith. Caleb faced the same obstacles as everyone else, but trusted God’s Word over his circumstances. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith isn’t about what you see; it’s about trusting God’s promises.
Finishing strong also requires consecration — setting your life apart for God’s use. Caleb had “a different spirit” (Numbers 14:24). He wasn’t swayed by the crowd; he was fully committed to God’s purpose. And at 85, Caleb still held on to God’s promise. He said in Joshua 14:11-12, “I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out. … Now give me this hill country!” His faith never wavered.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” No matter the obstacles, keep trusting God. Finish strong for His glory!
— Jerry Birch, Cleveland Cavaliers chaplain
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