Shrink Back

36 “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,

“In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

38 And,

“But my righteous one will live by faith.   And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:36-39

“Shrink back.” Not a freshly identified species. It’s human behavior.

“Shrink back.” It’s our response to opposition for unpopular ideas.

“Shrink back.” Like a turtle retreating into its protective shell.

“Shrink back.” Giving up, bowing the head in shame, denying.

“Shrink back.” Trusting in self, relying on frail human courage.

“Persevere.” The opposite. Keeping on in truth that sets free.

“Persevere.” Fixing hope beyond self, eyes on the King’s manger.

“Persevere.” Eyes on the unseen eternity. Strength from the Master.

“Persevere.” Do not lose hope. Hope’s Creator sees our hopeless plight.

“Persevere.” Jesus promises life forever. His word never fails…yesterday…today…forever.