I am currently doing a self-study on translation and I am reading a daily devotional book and its Spanish translation. There is one translation of a sentence that really has me stumped. I was wondering if someone here could help me understand. Pay attention to the part that is italicized.
Original: "When the Lord calls you to come across the water, step out with confidence and joy. And never glance away from Him for even a moment. You will not prevail by measuring the waves or grow strong by gauging the wind. Attempting to survey the danger may actually cause you to fall before it..."
Translation of that sentence: No porque midas las olas por eso has de prevalecer, no porque escudrines el viento por eso has de fortalecerte.
Note: My laptop will not allow me to add the "~" over the "n" in "escudrines"
Is this a good Spanish translation? I have a feeling that it is, although my mind reads that version: There is no reason to measure the waves because you must prevail, no reason to gauge the wind because you will grow strong. Which seems to convey a message opposite of the original.
I swear, I have been pondering on this for days! I really need help!