The word “wholeheartedly” almost lifted off the pages as I studied Joshua 14.  Twice  in the chapter, Caleb reminded Joshua how he had followed God wholeheartedly while the rest of the explorers

“made the hearts of the people melt with fear.” Quite a word picture. I envisioned them shaking, dripping with sweat, as they lost courage and

focused on their circumstancesinstead of the power of God.  Hopelessness gripped their hearts as they let themselves drown in the deep sea of discouragement.

The third time, Joshua wrote how Caleb “had followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.”

While the other men called to examine the land cowered, Caleb stood up to answer the call.  He wore a medal of courage on his heart. Although he looked at the same set of circumstances, he knew that nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

Forty-five years after he obeyed the call, the leader remained physically strong. He asked Joshua…