Tag Archive for: Isaiah 41:10

The “Brrr” Before the Breakthrough

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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?
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Counting on God a Latte

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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.

It was just spilled coffee.

Just a brown splash stain on a dress that wasn’t new and wasn’t even my favorite. But there I stood, blinking fast, tears mixing with the moisture from my coffee cup that’s now staining the fabric.

It wasn’t the coffee that got to me. It was that this was “one more thing.”

These days, I’ve turned into a clumsy, uncoordinated mess. I trip over nothing. I drop phones, books, and water bottles. Cups seem to leap from my hands before I even know I’ve lost my grip.

I read once that older folks become more prone to this. Something about damaged nerve endings that don’t send the right messages to the brain.

The balance and coordination that once happened without thinking now require effort.

I used to be steady. Steady as she goes. I could tie my shoes without leaning against anything. I could walk across the room without wondering if the floor would feel different under my feet.

My feet have always been my foundation. Without a good foundation, nothing else works the way it should.

And yet… the coffee in my lap reminded me of my only real foundation. My only steady thing. Jesus.

I wish aging didn’t come with so many humbling reminders of what I can’t do anymore. But maybe those reminders aren’t the worst thing. Maybe they’re the reason I keep leaning harder on Him.

I know someday I’ll walk without effort again. One day I’ll get a new body in Heaven, one with the balance of an Olympic gymnast. My steps will be sure, and my hands will hold things without slipping.

Until then, I’ll keep sipping my coffee and holding on to the One who never lets me down. And I invite you to, too.

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When Trust Feels Scary

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Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

There is something wonderfully chaotic about a hotel pool on a family vacation. The scent of chlorine and sunscreen mixes with the sound of kids laughing, adults chatting, and someone always yelling, “No running!”

That was our scene one afternoon at the beach. The sun was hot, the water was cool, and all of us—siblings, spouses, nephews, and grandparents—were soaking up that kind of joy you can’t plan. Just being together.

My nephews were at the shallow end, full of energy and daring. They would stand on the steps, and then swim out to whichever adult happened to be closest.

Except for the youngest.

He just started swimming lessons, and you could tell he was still learning what he could do. But when his dad got in the water, suddenly the water didn’t seem so scary.

That little boy launched himself off the step like it was the Olympics. His arms flailed, his legs kicked, and water splashed everywhere, but he knew exactly where he was going. More importantly, he trusted whose arms would always catch him if something went wrong.

Watching him, I realized how much I want to live like that.

There are moments when God asks us to step forward—into something new, unknown, maybe even intimidating. And our instinct is to hesitate, calculate the risks, stay safe on the steps. But if we really knew His character… if we really believed He would catch us… we would swim.

So what would it look like to trust God like a five-year-old? To believe, without hesitation, that He is there—and that He knows exactly how to catch you?

The water may feel deep, but trust me, He will not let you sink.

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