Feb 17 – If Anyone Draws Back!

“Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)

The Lord declares, “If anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” I know a missionary who endured many sufferings for the sake of the Lord. Because he was a Christian missionary from a foreign land, people subjected him to severe persecution and torture, forcing him to deny Jesus.

At that time, the Lord spoke to him: “Stand firm in faith and cling to Me. If you draw back, My soul will have no pleasure in you.” That servant of God held on firmly to the Lord. He prayed with resolve, “Lord, You have said that the just shall live by faith. I place my faith in You. I must not fall in this trial.” And the Lord helped him to stand firm in his faith.

When he later shared about his prison experiences, my heart was filled with awe. Today, many are drawing back from God. Those who once shone brightly for the Lord are now found in a fallen state. Discouragement has caused them to retreat.

When the Lord looks upon someone who has drawn back, He speaks with grief: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4–5)

Examine yourself honestly. Do you still have the divine love you had at the beginning? Do you rejoice today in praising the Lord as you once did in His presence? Do you still find joy in street evangelism and in reaching out to souls?

If your answer to these questions is “No,” it means you are in a backslidden state. Another clear sign of backsliding is finding fault with others—constantly criticizing fellow believers. When a person no longer speaks about the glory and majesty of the Lord, but instead keeps accusing brothers and sisters, it means he has not only drawn back but has also given place to Satan.

If you find yourself in such a condition, come to the Lord with tears and repentance. Many have drawn back because they stopped looking at Christ and began looking back at the world. We read in Luke 9:62: “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

When the Israelites journeyed toward Canaan, their hearts kept longing for the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic of Egypt. Because their hearts were turned backward, they were unable to enter the Promised Land.

Children of God, be vigilant so that you do not draw back.

Verse for further meditation: “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” (Proverbs 14:14)