Caleb, the Dog Man of God

Life is short. Can you finish strong when you feel finished or just too old?

“Finish Strong.”

Numbers 13:30

Numbers 14:7–9

To “finish strong”……

1. Requires a “_different spirit_.”

Numbers 14:24

“My servant.” 

“Different spirit.”

  • Different conviction- wholeheartedly devoted to God.

The giants did not disturb him.

And the grunts of doubters did not disrupt him.

Problem coping in life is the abandonment of conviction.

If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything.

Different Courage

Numbers 14:9

Lessons fro Caleb’s courage:

  • Courage is seeing beyond obstacles.
  • Courage is trusting God’s promise.
  • Courage is willing to stand alone.
  • Courage is a choice.

To finish strong . . . . .

2. Determines to “_wholly_” follow the LORD.

Numbers 14:24

  • “He was fully loyal to the lord.”
  • “He was wholeheartedly followed.”
  • “He fully closed the gap with the Lord.”

The Hebrew word for “wholly”  means to fill.

To finish strong. . . .

3. Demonstrates confidence in God’s _strength_.

Joshua 14:10

“And in the end, it’s not the years of your life that counts. 

It’s really the life in your years.

Abraham Lincoln

Joshua 14:11

What could have made Caleb disillusioned or cynical?

  • Grasshopper mentality.
  • Waiting 40 years.
  • Just to old to face giants.

Finally, “to finish strong’, Caleb….

4. Possesses faith to _see it through_.

Joshua 14:12

“You can not determine a man’s greatness by his wealth or abilities, but rather by what it takes to discourage him.”