Sometimes we think the grass is greener on the other side, especially in times of trial and difficulty.
The first century Jewish believers in Jerusalem knew this too well. Persecuted and martyred by the religious elite, many of these Hebrew quasi believers fled from Christ, back to the temple system. The book of Hebrews is written to these fleeing “believers” around 64 AD and the author says to them, “But we (those who remain) are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” (Heb. 10:39).
In 70 AD, just a few years later, the Romans destroyed the temple and with it the system of sacrifices. Over 1 million Jewish people died in the siege of Jerusalem. Yes, they had run back to a religious system that could not save them and would not stand the test of time.
Despite fleeing the persecution, many died ANYWAY, but instead APART from Christ.
No matter what happens. No matter the odds. No matter the difficultly. Apart from the covenant of Christ and running away from His Lordship over your life, you can do nothing. Abide, remain.
Don’t shrink back.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5