June 25th, 2025
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.
Any athlete who has performed under pressure or participated in an endurance sport understands the call to keep moving forward. If you want to win the prize or gain victory over the other team, you must be willing to persevere despite the fatigue you may feel. You often have to push past the limitations of your own body and mind to prove yourself worthy and come out on top. In a similar way, this kind of passion and tenacity is precisely what the believer is called to in matters of spiritual life.
The writer of Hebrews addresses us in strong and vivid language, commanding us to persevere and not shrink back from our calling in Christ. The context of these verses is directed at the Jewish people who converted to Christianity early in church history. They faced intense persecution because of their faith in Jesus and proclamation of Him as their Messiah. Despite such heavy resistance and suffering, the call for them was still to march forward in the will of God.
Persecution, trials, and suffering have the ability to apply a strong amount of force and pressure to our spiritual hearts—so much so that we feel as though the weight is too much to carry. Slowly but surely, we cower away from what Christ is asking of us and abandon our post as soldiers in His army. Here in North America, we don't face the violent persecution our brothers and sisters around the world encounter. Yet, we still find ourselves shrinking back and diminishing our passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ. How often do we tell ourselves that we feel like giving up? How often do we have days when we feel tempted to walk away from Christ and His church altogether? This mentality is far from the attitude of a true believer. More than anything, in our culture today, we need Christians who are willing to persevere and serve God faithfully until the very end.
The Bible says that the Lord takes no pleasure in the one who shrinks back or withdraws from active duty. We are to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all our heart (1 Samuel 12:24). We must be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). In whatever we do, we must do it wholeheartedly and with excellence, as if we were serving the Lord Jesus Himself (Colossians 3:23–24). And we ought never to be lacking in zeal, but work hard to keep our spiritual fervour in serving Christ (Romans 12:11). Ultimately, the one who carries this gift of faithfulness is the very one who will receive the crown of life (James 1:12).
Consider today what is causing you to shrink back. What pressure or circumstance is pulling you away from serving honourably on the front lines for Jesus Christ? Is it your job that is making you more fearful and ashamed of your faith? Is it your family situation that is depressing you and draining you of spiritual energy for God? Is it a situation at church or an interaction you've had with someone? We beg you today—do not allow such scenarios to discourage or devitalize your faith. Hear the voice of God calling you. Persevere, march onward, and choose faithfulness. Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
Prayer: Lord, today I recognize the ways I have allowed myself to shrink back from Your will and commands for my life. Help me not to be formed by my feelings and flesh, but to hold fast to Your truth. Help me to forget the issues of the past so that I might move forward in strength and faithfulness for Your name’s sake. Amen.