The “Brrr” Before the Breakthrough
Isaiah 41:10 — Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
This Spring, are you doing pickleball or water aerobics?
I’m doing water aerobics, and I love it. It is so good and so much fun.
One of the ladies in my class encouraged me to start swimming laps in the Olympic-size pool we have at the gym. But she warned me ahead of time.
“It’s cold when you first get in.”
She was not kidding.
My goodness—that first step into the water was a shock. I almost turned around right there. Then I looked up and saw how long that pool was, and I thought, “Oh I don’t know if I can do this.”
But step by step, I slowly went in.
It was cold, but before I knew it, I was cruising along. Oh my goodness—I’m actually doing this. I finished the laps. I felt strong. I felt accomplished.
I really did.
And honestly, I think following God can feel a lot like that first step into the pool. Sometimes what He calls us to do feels intimidating. It can feel cold. It can seem longer than we expected when we’re standing at the edge.
Most of the things God grows in us begin with a step that feels uncomfortable.
But when we take that first step and trust Him, something surprising happens. He meets us there. He says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” He steadies our hearts, stays right beside us, and strengthens us—just like He promises. Strength for every lap.
He never promises it will be easy. No, no.
But He does promise He will be right there with us the whole way.
And maybe today there’s something in front of you that feels like that cold pool a little—something that makes you hesitate. It looks harder and longer than you expected.
Remember that sometimes it just takes easing one foot into the water.
And then the next.
And when you do, eventually you’ll discover you’re not swimming alone.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- What is something in your life right now that feels intimidating or uncomfortable—like that first step into cold water?
- What fears or doubts tend to hold you back from taking that first step?
- Can you remember a time when God met you after you stepped out in faith? What did that teach you?
- What would it look like to trust God for “the next step” instead of the whole journey?
- How does knowing God is with you and strengthening you change the way you face what’s ahead?
