The Peaceful Storm

"Be courageous in the Lord's presence. Then the winds will be calm and the storm thats raging all around will not be of relevance"

When Peter noticed the things around him- waves, sea, sky, the storm he forgot who had called him. Instead, his focus narrowed quickly onto his circumstances leading to his quick summation of his inability as a human to walk against the storm on the water. He forgot who He was walking toward. And in his moments of forgetfulness and panic, He did the only thing left to do: call upon the name of the Lord.

I L.O.V.E this passage in scripture. It has spoken to me in numerous seasons in my life. It's power was strong in my life back in November 2010, and brings the same power now. Here is an excerpt of my writing back in 2010, striking loud and clear in my heart today.

"The Lord called me in this direction- I was sure of it at the time even though I didn't want to go forward. I got out of the boat, and started walking toward Jesus as I was called- but then my focus was turned on myself. He faded, and I became alone.

Fear took over. And like Peter, it struck my eyes as I saw the crash of the waves. Panic rippled as the wind howled around me. I began to believe I wasn't going to make it after all because my fear paralyzed me. I wanted to go back to the boat. I needed to turn back, return to what was familiar... what I trusted to be safe. In the boat, I remember being relatively happy and confident. But the battle of the storm reflects the one waging in my soul.

I know I was called out. I know the reason why both I and Peter "stepped out of the boat"... His name is Jesus- we wanted more of Him- the desire for more Jesus prompted us out of the comfort of the boat. I need to keep walking toward Jesus, eyes fully fixed on His. He beckons though another voice tries to tell me "you can't do this". His beckoning is stronger, more sure, He says "Daughter take my hand- be of strong faith- I am your lifeline". When we ask for truth and we ask for the Lord's power we can't lose sight of His promises to provide in all our circumstances. I ask for the Lord- for his will- I can't be afraid because of what's going on around me. The Lord is working even when I fear He isn't. The Lord is full of great marvelous and unexpected things- let me not forget the comforter and ultimate lover of my heart"

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy the safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord: trust in Him and He will do this. He will make your righteous reward shine like the the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him" Ps 37:3-7