2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Ezekiel 23:1-49 ESV, Hebrews 10:18-39 ESV, Psalm 109:1-31 ESV, Proverbs 27:13 ESV
Daily Verse: “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10:39 ESV)
HUPOSTOLE (5289): “As a non, is translated “of them who draw back” Heb 11:39”[1]
Draw back.
I shrank when my brothers threw earthworms at me as a child. Not a fan of slimy things; if I made myself small, they couldn’t touch me. We draw away from things we don’t like.
Life comes with challenges we must face. When the next hill rises before us, we have a choice in approaching it with dread and trepidation or with excited anticipation. Living life with Jesus gives us the courage to turn the challenge into an encouragement as God leads us to victory.
When David stood before Goliath, he didn’t shrink away from the challenge; he embraced it. The servant with a heart like God’s knew the source of his strength intimately. David’s confidence came from the Creator.
Stand tall!
Trusting in the Lord, we can stand tall like David. Short in stature, the young shepherd didn’t need height to win the battle; he needed confidence. David got what he needed from the Lord. God provides the tools to slay our giants and win the fight.
When I sit at my desk and write, I balance a book on my head to help me maintain proper posture. Having developed hip pain, slouching didn’t help. As a result of my new discipline, I’m standing taller. The positive results help me feel physically better.
Squaring back my shoulders and lifting my head, chin parallel to the floor empowers me. I feel balanced and ready to take on the world, but when I shrink back, eye to the ground, shoulders slumped, I feel defeated.
Jesus gives us a reason to stand tall and face the world. All things work for the good of those who trust and believe in Christ, living their life following Him. With Jesus, we either win or learn, but we never lose.
Remind your giant about the size of your God. Don’t let the temporary problems of this world keep you from experiencing the eternal peace Christ offers. Lay your burdens at the altar, then stand tall, knowing God’s got your back!
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 260) Thomas Nelson
