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Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
Christian Leadership✨ “Don’t shrink back!” ✨
These were the words the Lord told me years ago while I was in my kitchen one morning, cooking pancakes for my family. 🥞 (I didn’t even know these words were in scripture until the other day.)
This was before I really became active on social media. The Lord said, "I am calling you to the forefront. I have poured so much into you, and it’s time for you to pour it out!" To be honest, I felt spiritually pregnant, like I was about to burst open at any moment.
So, I tried to bargain with God. I had no desire to lead publicly. I was okay with doing God’s will in private. So, I wrestled with Him.
Me: Lord, can’t you get somebody else to do it? Who wants to hear what I have to say? What will I say? I don’t want to be ridiculed. Lord, what about my family? My plate is already full.
I had every excuse in the world to stay hidden.
Fast-forward to today; sometimes, I still want to "shrink back." But I think about my many conversations with God and how much He has invested in me.
I thank God for His continuous grace, confidence, strength, and boldness to not shrink back. He did exactly what He told me He would do in His word: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10-NIV) ✝️
Why am I sharing this?
I’m sharing this to encourage you. I’m not alone; many people are being called to the forefront, but you are scared. Scared of the unknown, scared to say yes, scared of making mistakes, scared of rejection. Your feelings are valid, and the Lord is so patient with us. Many of you are heavy hitters in the spirit, full of wisdom, knowledge, and God’s glory. You have to come out of hiding. 🌟
Embrace the Journey-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
The journey to stepping into your God-given purpose can be daunting. When the Lord first called me to step into a more public role, I was overwhelmed with fear and doubt. I was comfortable doing God’s work in private, behind the scenes. Public speaking, social media presence, and leading openly were not on my radar. However, God had other plans.
The feeling of spiritual pregnancy, the sense of being on the verge of something significant, was intense. It was as if God was saying, "I have placed so much inside you, and now it’s time to share it with the world." This calling wasn’t just about me; it was about the people God wanted to reach through me.
Wrestling with God-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
I remember those early days of wrestling with God. The conversations were filled with my excuses and fears.
- Lord, can’t you get somebody else to do it?
- Who wants to hear what I have to say?
- What will I say?
- I don’t want to be ridiculed.
- Lord, what about my family? My plate is already full.
Every reason seemed valid, yet God’s response was always consistent. He reassured me that He would provide the words, the strength, and the guidance. He reminded me of His promise in Isaiah 41:10 that He would uphold me with His righteous right hand. This promise became a lifeline during moments of doubt and fear.
Moving Forward in Faith-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
Even today, the temptation to shrink back can be substantial. The comfort of the familiar and the fear of the unknown often whisper that it’s easier to stay hidden. However, I think about the investment God has made in me. I remember His continuous grace, confidence, strength, and boldness. His empowerment allows me to push forward, even when I feel inadequate.
A Message for You-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
I am sharing this because many of you are in a similar place. You feel the call to step into a more significant role, but fear is holding you back. The fear of the unknown, the fear of saying yes, the fear of making mistakes, and the fear of rejection are all accurate and valid feelings. But I want to encourage you to trust God’s timing and Plans.
You are not alone in this journey. The Lord is patient, understanding, and ready to equip you with everything you need. Many of you are carrying immense spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and glory. It’s time to come out of hiding and share those gifts with the world.
Don’t Shrink Back-Walk Boldly in Purpose
The phrase "Don’t shrink back" isn’t just a personal message; it’s a call to action for all of us. It reminds us that God’s plans are more significant than our fears. It’s an encouragement to step out in faith, even when we’re scared.
Hebrews 10:39 says, "But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." This verse is a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ. We are called to move forward in faith, not to retreat in fear.
Do It Scared-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
Stepping into your purpose doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear. It means you move forward despite the fear. It’s about trusting that God is with you, guiding you, and providing for you every step of the way. Embrace the journey, with all its uncertainties and challenges, and know that God’s plan for you is good.
Embrace the Journey-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
In conclusion, I would like you to reflect on Hebrews 10. Let it minister to your heart and remind you of God’s promises. Don’t let fear hold you back from what God has called you to do. Remember, you are not alone. God is with you, and He will strengthen and uphold you.
Comment #dontshrinkback if you are determined to push past fear and walk into PURPOSE!
Final Encouragement-Don’t Shrink Back: Walk Boldly in Purpose
As you read these words, may you be encouraged to step boldly into God's role for you? Don't shrink back, whether in ministry, your career, or your personal life. Embrace the calling with faith, knowing God’s plans for you are far greater than you can imagine. Let His strength and courage guide you as you move forward into your God-given purpose.
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FAQs
1. What does "Don’t Shrink Back" mean for Christians?
"Don’t Shrink Back" is a biblical encouragement from Hebrews 10:39, which reminds believers not to retreat in fear but to move forward in faith. It means stepping boldly into God’s calling, even when fear, doubt, or uncertainty tries to hold you back. God equips those He calls, and trusting Him will lead to fulfilling your divine purpose.
2. How do I overcome fear and self-doubt when stepping into my purpose?
Overcoming fear and self-doubt starts with:
- Prayer and Scripture: Meditate on verses like Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7 to remind yourself of God’s strength.
- Obedience Over Feelings: Move forward even if you feel scared—courage isn’t the absence of fear but faith in action.
- Surrounding Yourself with Support: Connect with mentors, spiritual leaders, and a faith-based community that encourages and uplifts you.
3. What if I feel unqualified for what God is calling me to do?
Feeling unqualified is common, but remember that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Moses, Jeremiah, and Gideon all felt inadequate, yet God empowered them for their assignments. Philippians 1:6 assures us that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." Trust God’s process, and take one step at a time.
4. How can I step out in faith even when I’m afraid?
Stepping out in faith despite fear requires:
- Trusting God’s Promises: Hebrews 10:39 reminds us that we do not belong to those who shrink back.
- Taking Small Steps: Start with one obedient action at a time—whether sharing your testimony, starting a ministry, or launching a business.
- Remembering Past Victories: Reflect on times when God provided, strengthened, and guided you in the past.
5. Why is it important to walk boldly in my God-given purpose?
Walking boldly in your purpose allows you to:
- Impact Others: Your obedience isn’t just for you—it’s for those God wants to reach through you.
- Glorify God: Living out your calling honors Him and reflects His power in your life.
- Grow Spiritually: Each step of obedience deepens your faith and strengthens your relationship with God.
