Shrinking back is a posture of regret. 

August 5th, 2024

By: David Hoskins

I have worked with leaders for many years and it has been my experience that some come to the point of crossing over into inheritance in the Kingdom and because of fear they choose to shrink back.   

I have seen this to be the fatal flaw for some causing them to shrink back into previous seasons, losing favor, and never truly reemerging.  Like Lot’s wife, they are too connected emotionally with the old to escape its seductive allure.  

For others, I have seen God bring things back around with the opportunity to make things right and redeem the mistake.   He certainly did this for the Nation of Israel by bringing them back around but it was at a great loss as an entire generation died in the wilderness.  

When it did come time the second time for Israel to cross over some tribes chose to settle on the wrong side of the river Jordan.  Rather than pressing into the fullness of their inheritance, they chose to settle short of their promise.  You would think the wilderness experience would have taught them.  God was not pleased with their choice, although He permitted it.  It is interesting however that God would not allow the tribes to settle short of inheritance without fighting the same giants that the other tribes had to fight to taste inheritance.  Yes, you heard that right, they had to fight for an inheritance that they never were allowed to experience.

How sad when leaders choose to shrink back.  Settling is always a big mistake for it is the place where inheritance is at best only tasted and victory fades to regret.

Some spiritual leaders today are not willing to deal with their fears of the future, failure, and the unknown.  As things transition from the church age toward the kingdom age, much will be required of leadership, including letting go of that which brings us such comfort and accolade.

The rich young ruler was told by Jesus to give up his riches and give them to the poor if he wanted to be a true disciple.  The rich young ruler walked away sad because he knew he had to give up more than he was willing to let go of.  

Many leaders are unwilling to give up what they’ve gained in the last season to lay hold of the true inheritance which only comes through crossing over and doing war by faith.  

Matthew 11:12 (KJV)

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

If we’re not willing to seek the kingdom first it is the eternal tell that our hearts are tied to our own security more than the King.  It reveals that our empires are more valuable to us than His kingdom.  

Hebrews 10:38 (NIV)

38…”But my righteous one will live by faith.And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

Never shrink back when inheritance is on the line for we are not always given another chance to lay hold of it.  

Luke 9:62 (KJV)

62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

We must press forward… For there is no going back once you see the Kingdom.  

Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.