Follow God Wholeheartedly & Receive His God’s Glory

Sermon: Follow God Wholeheartedly & Receive His God’s Glory

Scripture Reference:

Joshua 14:12 – “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.”
Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while he is near.”

Introduction

Following God wholeheartedly is the key to receiving His promises and experiencing His glory in our lives. The Bible is filled with examples of people who trusted God fully and saw His mighty hand at work. One such man is Caleb, who remained faithful to God even when others doubted him. Because of his unwavering faith, God gave him the land of Hebron as an inheritance.

Many believers today struggle with half-hearted devotion. We want God’s blessings but hesitate to follow Him with complete trust. However, when we seek God with all our hearts, surrendering every part of our lives, He leads us into His glorious plans.

Today, we will explore what it means to follow God wholeheartedly and how doing so allows us to experience His glory.

Wholehearted Devotion Brings God’s Promises to Fulfillment

Caleb’s life is a testament to the power of unwavering faith. When the Israelites first arrived at the Promised Land, Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies who trusted God’s promise. While others saw giants and danger, Caleb saw an opportunity to claim God’s blessing. Despite the majority’s fear, he remained steadfast in faith

(“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Numbers 14:24).

Even though Caleb had to wait 45 years to receive his inheritance, he never complained or lost hope. Many people struggle when God’s promises don’t come to pass immediately, but Caleb teaches us patience and perseverance. God honored his faithfulness by granting him Hebron, a land still occupied by giants at the time. Caleb’s request—“Give me this mountain” (Joshua 14:12)—demonstrated his unshakable confidence in God’s power.

Key Lessons from Caleb:

Trust in God’s timing – His promises may take time, but they will always be fulfilled.
Courage over fear – Fear paralyzed the other spies, but faith propelled Caleb forward.
Obedience brings rewards – Caleb followed God wholeheartedly, and his obedience led to a lasting inheritance.

Application:

Refuse to let delays discourage you—God’s promises will come to pass.
Strengthen your faith through prayer, worship, and study of the Word.
Step forward in obedience, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

By remaining steadfast in faith, like Caleb, we too can witness the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives.

Seeking God with All Your Heart Leads to Great Blessings

Isaiah 55:6 encourages us to “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on Him while He is near.” God desires a close relationship with us, but it requires intentional pursuit. Seeking Him with all our hearts means prioritizing Him above everything else.

Caleb was a man who sought God’s presence diligently, and because of his devotion, he inherited a land of blessing. When we seek God first, He rewards us abundantly (Matthew 6:33). Seeking Him involves more than just attending church; it requires a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and obedience.

Ways to Seek God Wholeheartedly:

Through Prayer – Prayer is our direct communication with God. It deepens our relationship and brings clarity to His will. (“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Through His Word – Meditating on Scripture strengthens our faith and equips us to overcome challenges. (“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3)
Through Worship – When we worship God sincerely, we enter His presence and experience His peace and joy. (John 4:23-24)
Through Obedience – Walking in obedience to God’s commands leads to blessings and spiritual growth. (“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

Application:

Set aside dedicated time daily to pray and read the Bible.
Remove distractions that hinder your spiritual growth.
Seek God not only in difficult times but in everyday life.

When we seek God wholeheartedly, we align ourselves with His plans and receive the blessings He has prepared for us.

God’s Glory is Revealed to Those Who Follow Him Wholeheartedly

Moses had a deep hunger for God’s presence. In Exodus 33:18, he asked, “Show me Your glory.” Because of his sincere pursuit, God revealed His glory to Moses in a way no one else had experienced.

God’s glory is not just a distant concept; it is His presence, power, and goodness made visible in our lives. When we live in total surrender to Him, He reveals Himself in miraculous ways.

How God Reveals His Glory:

Through His Presence – Those who seek Him deeply will experience His tangible presence in their lives. (2 Chronicles 7:1-2 “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it.”)
Through Miracles – God performs wonders for those who believe. (John 11:40 “Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’)
Through Transformation – A life fully surrendered to God radiates His glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” )

Application:

Spend time in deep worship and prayer, asking God to reveal His presence.
Expect to witness His power and miracles in your daily walk.
Live in a way that glorifies God through your words, actions, and faith.

By following God wholeheartedly, we experience His glory in ways that transform our lives and impact those around us.

Overcoming Obstacles in Wholehearted Faith

Caleb did not let obstacles stop him from claiming God’s promise. Many times, we also face challenges that test our faith.

Common Obstacles in Faith:

Doubt – The enemy tries to make us question God’s promises. (Mark 11:23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”)
Distractions – The world offers many temptations that pull us away from God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”)
Delay – When God’s answers seem slow, it’s easy to grow discouraged. (Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”)

Despite these obstacles, Caleb remained strong because his faith was built on God’s word. He did not allow fear, negative opinions, or hardships to weaken his trust.

Application:

Strengthen your faith through daily prayer and meditation on Scripture.
Surround yourself with believers who encourage and uplift you.
Stay focused on God’s promises, even when the journey is tough.

When we push through obstacles with unwavering faith, God leads us into victory and fulfillment of His promises.

A Call to Commit Wholeheartedly to God

To experience God’s best for our lives, we must be fully committed to Him. Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” urges us to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” This means surrendering every area of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and desires—to His will.

Caleb’s unwavering commitment to God resulted in great blessings. He didn’t follow God halfheartedly; he gave everything. If we want to see God move powerfully in our lives, we must do the same.

How to Commit Wholeheartedly:

Surrender Your Life – Let go of personal ambitions that conflict with God’s purpose. (Luke 9:23“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’)
Obey His Word – Even when it’s difficult, following God’s commands leads to blessings. (John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”)
Walk by Faith – Trust God’s plans, even when they don’t make sense. (Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”)

Application:

Examine your life and remove anything that hinders your devotion to God.
Make a daily decision to follow Him with your whole heart.
Trust that a life fully committed to God leads to joy, peace, and purpose.

Will you answer the call to wholehearted devotion? Like Caleb, choose to follow God fully and experience His extraordinary blessings.

“Give Me This Mountain” – Declare Your Promise

Joshua 14:12 – “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.”

Caleb’s request, “Give me this mountain,” was a bold declaration of faith. Even at 85 years old, he was ready to fight for the promise God had given him. He did not expect the land to be handed over easily—he was prepared to claim it with courage and trust in God’s power.

A) Claiming God’s Promise with Boldness

Caleb did not ask for an easy inheritance. He wanted the land where giants lived, proving that his faith was strong. Many people settle for less because they fear the challenges ahead, but God calls us to claim His promises boldly.

Application:

Do not settle for less – Believe that God has greater things for you. (Ephesians 3:20“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”)
Declare His Word – Speak His promises over your life. (2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”)
Move in faith – Trust that God will fulfill what He has spoken.

B)Overcoming Giants with God’s Strength

Hebron was occupied by the mighty Anakim warriors, but Caleb did not let fear stop him. The giants in our lives—fear, doubt, obstacles—can seem overwhelming, but God gives us victory when we trust Him.

Application:

Identify the “giants” in your life and trust God to defeat them.
Step out in faith, knowing that God is with you. (Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”)
Keep your focus on God’s promises, not the obstacles.

C) Persevering Until You Receive Your Inheritance

Caleb waited 45 years for his promise, but he never gave up. Sometimes, God’s promises take time, but they are always fulfilled.

Application:

Stay patient and persistent in prayer. (Luke 18:1“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”)
Hold on to God’s faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”)
Keep declaring, “Give me this mountain!” with confidence.

D) Walking in Wholehearted Obedience

Joshua 14:14 says, “Hebron, therefore, became the inheritance of Caleb… because he wholly followed the Lord.” God rewards those who follow Him with all their heart.

Application:

Do not follow God half-heartedly—commit fully to His plans.
Trust that obedience leads to blessings. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”)
Seek God’s will in everything you do. (Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.”)

E)Passing on the Blessing to Future Generations

Because Caleb claimed his mountain, Hebron became a place of inheritance for future generations. When we walk in faith, we leave a legacy of God’s faithfulness for our families.

Application:

Teach the next generation to trust in God’s promises. (Psalm 78:4 “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done.” )
Live as an example of faith and perseverance.
Pray for your children and future generations to walk in God’s ways.

Final Challenge This Subtopic:
Caleb boldly declared, “Give me this mountain!”He was ready to fight for God’s promise, knowing that God was with him.
📢What “mountain” has God promised you?
✅Start declaring His Word.
✅ Step forward in faith.
✅ Trust that He will bring it to pass!

God is faithful. Be bold like Caleb and claim your inheritance in Christ!

Encouragement

God is looking for people who will follow Him without hesitation, just like Caleb. When we trust Him fully, He blesses us beyond measure and leads us to His promises. Caleb never doubted God’s word. Even when others around him were afraid, he held on to faith, courage, and perseverance.

Are you ready to seek God with all your heart? The world may offer temporary pleasures, but only in God will you find true joy, peace, and eternal reward. When we follow Him wholeheartedly, He reveals His glory, strengthens our faith, and guides our steps.

Remember:

Those who follow God wholeheartedly receive His promises.
Those who seek Him daily walk in His presence.
Those who trust Him experience His power in their lives.

If you have been struggling with doubt, fear, or distractions, surrender them to God today. He is faithful, and He is ready to lead you into a deeper relationship with Him. Nothing is too hard for God, and no situation is beyond His power. Keep pressing forward in faith, even when the journey is difficult. Like Caleb, keep declaring, “Give me this mountain!” and you will see God’s glory revealed in your life. Don’t settle for less than what God has planned for you. Keep moving forward with faith, and you will receive all that He has in store!

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your walk with God.

Are you following Him wholeheartedly, or are you holding back?
What areas of your life do you need to surrender completely?
How can you deepen your relationship with God starting today?

We often get caught up in life’s distractions, fears, and doubts, forgetting that God is greater than every obstacle we face. Caleb did not let his age, challenges, or enemies stop him from believing in God’s promises. What about you?

God is calling us to trust Him completely, even when things seem impossible. He wants to reveal His glory in our lives, just as He did for Caleb, Moses, and David. But it starts with a decision—a decision to follow God with all our heart, soul, and strength.

Ask yourself:

Am I seeking God daily through prayer and His Word?
Am I stepping out in faith, even when it’s difficult?
Do I truly believe that God’s promises will come to pass in my life?

If your answer is “No” or “Not always”, don’t be discouraged. God is patient, loving, and merciful. He is calling you to renew your faith and seek Him more deeply. Make the decision today to trust Him completely. Ask Him for the faith of Caleb—to believe in His promises without doubt and to declare boldly, “Give me this mountain!” God is faithful. When we align our hearts with His will, He will lead us into His promises and reveal His glory in our lives!

Conclusion

Following God wholeheartedly requires faith, dedication, and obedience. It is not always easy, but the rewards are greater than anything the world can offer.

Like Caleb, we will inherit God’s promises if we remain faithful.
Like David, we will experience God’s presence and blessings.
Like Moses, we will see God’s glory revealed in our lives.

When we seek God with all our hearts, He will guide us into His divine purpose and open doors that no one can shut. No matter what challenges come our way, we can stand firm knowing that God is with us.

Caleb faced giants in the land, but he did not let fear stop him. What giants are you facing today?

Fear? God says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).
Doubt? God says, “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Delay? God says, “Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3).

Final Challenge:
Will you choose to follow God wholeheartedly today? Will you step out in faith, trust in His promises, and declare, “Give me this mountain”?

Take that step of faith! Trust that God is leading you to greater things. No matter what stands in your way, believe that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

God has something greater for you—so don’t settle for less. Follow Him with all your heart, and you will receive His glory in your life!

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Today, we commit our hearts fully to You. Help us to seek You with all our being, trusting in Your promises and walking in obedience. Lord, give us the courage of Caleb to stand firm in faith, even in the face of challenges. Strengthen us to overcome doubt, fear, and distractions. Help us to stay focused on You, knowing that You are leading us to greater things. We pray for spiritual boldness to declare, “Give me this mountain!” Let us trust that You can do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Lord, we surrender our plans, fears, and worries to You. We ask for Your guidance, wisdom, and strength to follow You wholeheartedly. Lead us into Your purpose, and let our lives reflect Your glory. We also pray for our families, churches, and communities. Raise more people with the spirit of Caleb—those who will stand on Your promises, move forward in faith, and declare Your goodness to future generations. Lord, we are ready! We trust You! We believe in Your Word! Thank You for being our Provider, our Guide, and our Strength. May our lives bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen!

God bless abundantly.