They say the first step is always the hardest but what if that first step looked like that first step of your feet touching the sand as you made your way to the open beach …the ocean’s waves lapping up to greet you.  

What if that first step was one of anticipated beauty …a place where you knew your soul could breathe and your cares washed in fresh perspective …healed in the salt air.

Why do we fear those first steps?

Why do put off those first steps?

Why do we let reason outweigh the reality of what could be?

Why the hesitation instead of anticipation?

Why wouldn’t we run toward freedom and inexpressible beauty?  Why, instead, do we run back to what we think is safety — familiar territory — when  life is being sucked right out of us …labored breathing …gasping for peace?

Why do we try to frantically grab others we love and run back to the familiar — huddling in and bracing for the storms that are sure to come? It’s what we know to be true, but our fear keeps us there like a ball and chain and since we don’t want to be alone, we take others with us in an effort to spare us some of the pain of isolation.  

Where are those who will risk going into the storm to grab another by the hand and pull them out to take that first step — giving  a walker  if necessary …to give courage to go ahead. Step. Forward.

“…be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

Mark Twain once said, “Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it.”

When you realize staying where you are might be more painful than the fear and unknown of stepping forward, you’re taking the first steps  into freedom.

Is God nudging you to step forward into something life-giving? …emotional healing? …beginning or growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ? …stepping out in faith to begin that “thing” you’ve been thinking about for a long time?…new places of ministry? …a different career path? …healthier relationships? …a move?  …physical well-being?

Jesus is that friend who  took that risk, weathered the storm, and gave up everything so we could be free.  He’s holding out His hand to help you …take that first step.