Do you remember your first swimming pool experience?  I suppose it may be a bit difficult today – it is December after all. But I remember. I had to have been 4 or 5. We were left for the weekend at some family friends that owned a real pool. Not the kind of pool we had – I’m pretty sure they didn’t get theirs at K-mart – this was one of those in the ground models. I was so excited! I remember running to the edge with excitement and imagined leaping in…but just couldn’t. Instead, I carefully and slowly lowered myself, inch by inch, never letting go of the side. I spent most of that morning “swimming” with one hand firmly grasping the edge. At some point the dear friend couldn’t take it anymore. She came outside. She may have said more, but I remember only two questions:

Do you want to learn to swim?
Do you trust me?

I am sure I must have nodded up and down. I honestly don’t remember much more than the sheer panic as she launched me into the air into the middle of the pool.  Since I am writing this today, you could rightly assume I survived. Not only did I survive, under her watchful (although her methods suspect) eye, I had a blast and never again clung to the side of a pool – anywhere.

Today God is doing something amazing. Two questions He asks:

Do you want to experience it?
Do you trust Me?

So do not fear, for I am with you;

   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you

   will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you

   will be as nothing and perish.    Isaiah 41:10-11