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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riu-9y3SkjY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2RP6DRVWpU 

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Journal Entry for Today

June 18, 2010

It is another day with new challenges, trials, struggles and stress. The 21^st century storms for most Americans that I know. We all are struggling with the same things nowadays; the economy, the threat and reality of war and more war. Ongoing relationship struggles, financial struggles and worries about what will surprise us next. I often greet the day with trepidation instead of eager and joyous anticipation. Oh God can You show me Your face and Your hands on me holing me? Can You show me your presence and control of all things despite my circumstances and those I see all around me?

And God says…” That is exactly what I do, all the time. I do not change the storms or the waves or your circumstances. I change your view of the storm. Keep your eyes on Me and you will have the peace that passes understanding. When others see you in the storm in your circumstances, unafraid, joyous in fact, that is a miracle for them. When they see you and acknowledge your peace and joy right inside the storm, they too will often begin to look for Me inside their own storms. They know that the strength to praise me in the storm can only come from Me. And you know that nothing can separate you from My love.