But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
— Hebrews 10:38-39 NIV

Recently, I attended a writing conference and learned steps I could take to strengthen and further writing aspirations. The ideas sounded great at the conference, but life has gotten busy and I’m tempted to let the writing goals slide — to shrink back from the challenge.

How much effort do I really need to put into this? What about other priorities? It takes intentional effort to prioritize writing time and say no to other things. 

I am by nature a shrinker. I shrink from following through with hard things out of my comfort zone. I am a hard worker, but I would rather do small unseen things, sustain the status quo, and label it contentment,  or even more spiritual, humility. (Hiding in false humility can become a safe comfy rut. Ugh.)

I shy away from putting myself forward and stepping into the limelight. Once there, I do fine, but rarely do I go there on my own initiative. So easily and so often . . . I shrink.

The Bible is full of stalwarts of the faith who did not shrink back. Rather, they set an example by stepping forward into what God had called them to do.

Noah built an ark (Genesis 6:14-22 ESV), Abraham left his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4 ESV), Joseph was put in charge of Egypt (Genesis 41:39-44 ESV), Rahab hid the spies (Joshua 2:4 ESV), David fought Goliath (I Samuel 17:48-49 ESV), Esther approached the King (Esther 5:1-2 ESV), and Daniel prayed though it was illegal (Daniel 6:10-13 ESV).

Once you know the thing God wants you to do, it takes work, grit and determination to make it happen. Joshua and the Israelites had to march around Jericho seven days before the walls fell. Noah spent decades building the ark, Paul persevered in ministry, teaching, and writing despite a thorn in his flesh. God worked through these faithful servants and rewarded their efforts.

What has God called you to do? It won't be easy. It won't "just happen." But He will be with you, helping and strengthening you each step of the way. Following through and fulfilling His purposes takes pushing through doubts. It takes pushing forward in faith and not shrinking back.

Start today. Step up and walk in tandem with God’s plans and purposes for your life. He will be with You.

Oh Lord, help me to push forward in the things you've called me to do. It would be so easy to get overwhelmed and not do any of it. Or, to focus on the urgent tasks, and let the important jobs slip away undone. Help me to be faithful to take the steps to fulfill your purposes and your will for my life. Give me strength and help me to not shrink back. In Jesus' name, Amen.