The wind really was boisterous and the waves really were high, but Peter didn’t see them at first. He didn’t consider them at all; he simply recognized his Lord, stepped out in recognition of Him, and “walked on the water.” Then he began to take those things around him into account, and instantly, down he went. Why couldn’t our Lord have enabled him to walk at the bottom of the waves, as well as on top of them? He could have, yet neither could be done without Peter’s continuing recognition of the Lord Jesus.We step right out with recognition of God in some things, then self-consideration enters our lives and down we go. If you are truly recognizing your Lord, you have no business being concerned about how and where He engineers your circumstances. The things surrounding you are real, but when you look at them you are immediately overwhelmed, and even unable to recognize Jesus. Then comes His rebuke, “…why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Let your actual circumstances be what they may, but keep recognizing Jesus, maintaining complete reliance upon Him.If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you. Never start to say, “Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?” Be reckless immediately— totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything— by casting your all upon Him. You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him. You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness— being willing to risk your all.

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June 18 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning God. David and I have talked and prayed over the ability to step out of the boat many, many times. We have asked You and each other how to develop that kind of faith…how to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on our circumstances. We have also asked if our storms and difficult circumstances are essential tools you must always use to help us grow. It seems like we hear you the most clear when we are struggling with our storms. However, we would rather the waters be calm, and our trials be easy…but that does not seem the way of it.

And God says…” when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. When all your needs are met, all the time, do you listen as closely for Me? Why do you think it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom? Because he does not look to Me for all his needs; all the time. Many of his needs are managed by his wealth and confidence in his wealth. He hires people to step out on the waves (take risks for him). Does this mean I want my children to be poor, destitute and at risk all the time? No…I blessed Solomon, Abraham, Job, and many others. But they too faced their own oceans and waves. Your trials, storms and fiery trials are elements I use to make you a man after My own heart. Acknowledge Me in all your ways, let Me be God of your life, in every area, and I will make your paths straight. And you will walk upon the waves in Oceans deep.”