Not Shrinking Back – Week One

The famous chapter on faith, Hebrews 11, is preceded with these words, “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the persevering of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:39 NASB)

Often I think of faith as powerful moments when men and women express their trust in God, and He shows up in supernatural ways. You know – when you step out in taking a new job, sacrificially giving to a cause, starting a new relationship, or praying for healing. And God opens doors, provides for your needs, gives amazing favor, or miraculously heals.

And while each of these actions can be expressions of faith, they are not the sum total of faith. Faith is more than a moment. Faith is how we live and who we are. Faith is what we believe and the posture of our heart. Faith is what distinguishes God’s children from everyone else.

Our faith is deeply rooted and perseveres, no matter what. We don’t shrink back, we don’t give up, and we don’t give in. Hebrews 11 gives us story after story of God’s people who walked by faith. Some displayed incredible feats while others, like Enoch, simply walked with God. Some conquered kingdoms while others were destitute and ill-treated. But what they all had in common was they pleased God with their faith. And the promises they sought after were incomplete in their lifetime.

In my book, Finding Simplicity, one of my favorite stories is about a little boy named Hunter who taught me about staying strong and not shrinking back. Today, I want to share that story with you. As you read, I encourage you to consider – what does faithfulness look like for you today? Maybe God is nudging you to take a step. Or perhaps, He is calling you to persevere, stay right where you are, hold steady, and not shrink back.

Recently, God used a little boy named Hunter to teach me a valuable lesson, while I was instructing our church’s two-to- five-year-olds. This particular day, I gave a preface to “The Shrink Song.” If you are unfamiliar with this tune, it has a simple message: “If you read your Bible and pray every day you will grow, grow, grow; but if you don’t read your Bible and pray every day, you will shrink, shrink, shrink.”

During my song introduction, Hunter was watching and listening with a confused look on his face. Suddenly, he blurted out, “No, I don’t think so.” I could tell that he was not trying to argue but that he honestly wanted to understand. From his experience, reading your Bible and growing did not connect.

After singing, we moved into our lesson focusing on how God loves us all no matter what, even when we make mistakes. I could see my little friend was continuing to listen, processing his thoughts, and wanting to ask questions. When group time ended, all the children returned to their classrooms. But Hunter remained seated on the rug, his head resting on his knees.

Settling beside him, I asked what he was thinking. Hunter shared how he reads his Bible, but he still gets upset. Sometimes he even yells. Keep in mind that this little guy is only five years old but that he is quite serious about growing. We had a conversation about how he can pray to God any time, even when he is upset, and that God loves him unconditionally. But, still, his question remained, “Do I really grow when I read my Bible?”

Hunter’s question is one I have asked before, and I am guessing most of you have, too. We want to know: Why don’t I see more growth in my life? Why do I still get angry? Why do I mess up so often? Why can’t I get it together?
Sitting there with Hunter, I was trying to see the message of “The Shrink Song” through a child’s eyes. The lyrics make it sound so simple; read your Bible, and you will grow. Maybe Hunter was thinking of physical growth. If so, you don’t see that every time you read your Bible and pray. However, I believe he was looking for spiritual growth, and, in reality, you don’t always see that, either.

Thankfully, God gave me a simple analogy to share with my young friend. I asked Hunter if he ever needs to get new shoes because his feet are growing. Hunter nodded. Then I asked him if he ever actually sees his feet grow. This time, he shook his head no. I explained that, in the same way his feet are growing, regardless if his eyes can see it happening, when he reads his Bible and prays, he is growing, too.

While there are times we see rapid spiritual growth, most often it comes slowly and steadily, similar to a young child’s body maturing. Even if you sit for an entire day to watch, you can’t physically see a child grow. But consider the time when you have not seen a toddler for a few months. After a time of separation, his or her physical and developmental growth is apparent.

If asked if we are growing spiritually, we might give the same answer as my little friend, “No, I don’t think so.” Since we can’t necessarily see growth as we go about our daily activities, our progress seems slow. However, over time, if we are consistently following God, studying His Word, and listening to Him, we will change.

James puts it this way: “But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25) Reading God’s Word has the power to change us, but only if we move beyond merely hearing the words and begin to apply them to our lives.