Wholly Follow
In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield explores what it truly means to wholly follow the Lord. Looking at the powerful example of Caleb, we’re challenged to consider whether our hearts are fully aligned with God — even when standing alone.
What It Means to Wholly Follow the Lord
1. Trusting God Over Opposition
Caleb believed no obstacle was greater than God’s power — not fortified cities, not giants, not fear. When others saw impossibility, Caleb saw God’s provision.
We are reminded:
What It Means to Wholly Follow the Lord
1. Trusting God Over Opposition
Caleb believed no obstacle was greater than God’s power — not fortified cities, not giants, not fear. When others saw impossibility, Caleb saw God’s provision.
We are reminded:
- The One who is in us is greater than the one in the world.
- Jesus has overcome the world.
- We do not follow in fear — we follow in faith.
2. Standing Firm — Even Among God’s People
Sometimes opposition doesn’t come from the world, but from fellow believers.
Caleb stood against the majority report — even when it came from men who should have trusted God.
Wholly following may look like:
Sometimes opposition doesn’t come from the world, but from fellow believers.
Caleb stood against the majority report — even when it came from men who should have trusted God.
Wholly following may look like:
- Refusing to join gossip.
- Questioning unbiblical teaching with humility.
- Choosing obedience over popularity.
- Living differently than other families.
- Saying no when others say yes — and yes when others say no.We follow the Lord — not the crowd.
3. Serving Faithfully for a Lifetime
In Joshua 14:6–12, Caleb is 85 years old and still asking for the hill country filled with giants.
He declares he is just as strong and ready for battle as he was at 40.
Wholly following the Lord means:
- No spiritual retirement.
- No “I did my time” mentality.
- No slowing zeal because of age or experience.
- Lifelong faithfulness.As long as we have breath, we serve.
A Warning Example: Solomon
Not everyone finishes well.
Solomon is described in 1 Kings 11:6 as one who “did not wholly follow the Lord.” Despite wisdom and blessing, Solomon allowed divided loyalties.
In contrast, David — though imperfect — is remembered as one who wholly followed the Lord:
- He repented when confronted.
- He fought when called.
- He waited for God’s timing.
- He aligned his heart with God’s.Wholly following is not about perfection — it’s about direction.
In a culture that:
- Celebrates following your heart
- Rewards popularity
- Competes for your attentionBe a Caleb.
Stand firm when it’s hard.
Trust God when it’s unpopular.
Serve Him when no one else does.
There is no such thing as a sideline Christian. The wilderness generation shows us where that leads. But stepping up in faith? That’s a Caleb move. A David move.
And that’s the heart God desires.
