Recognizing Jesus

Journal Entry-June 19, 2010

'And Peter...walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid." Matthew 14:29-30

"The wind was actually boisterous, the waves were actually high, but Peter did not see them at first. He did not reckon with them, he simply recognized his Lord and stepped out in recognition of Him, and walked on water. Then he began to reckon with the actual things, and down he went instantly. Why could not our Lord have enabled him to walk at the bottom of the waves as well as on the top of them? Neither could be done saving by recognition of the Lord Jesus.
We step right out on God over some things, then self-consideration enters in and down we go. If you are recognizing your Lord, you have no business with where He engineers your circumstances. The actual things are, but immediately you look at them you are overwhelmed, you cannot recognize Jesus, and the rebuke comes: "Wherefore didst thou doubt?" Let the actual circumstances be what they may, keep recognizing Jesus, maintain complete reliance on Him." From My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

What are your circumstances today or this week? My circumstances have revolved around trying to cope with a bound up left arm due to lymphedema swelling! The bandages are very tight and sometimes painful. I was hoping to only have to do it for one week, but I'm still in them-24/7-and will have to go to PT for the next few weeks. No doubt there are many of you that have little to complain about right now in life and just as many, if not more, who's circumstances have led you down difficult paths this week. I know my heart is heavy with the burden of prayer, particularly for those in our church family that are struggling through cancer treatments right now.
But isn't it great to know that no matter what the current circumstances of our lives, as long as we recognize Jesus in them, we can "walk on water" and rise above them!

A Visit from "Moses"

Journal Entry-June 8, 2010

I never thought I would be able to say it, but I had a visit from "Moses" today at the Cancer Center! Mr. Moses, that is! But he was sent to me from God just like the Moses of the Bible was sent to the Israelites!
I came to the Cancer Center to get the first of 7 Herceptin treatments. Even though new guidelines say that Herceptin can be given over a 30 minute drip, my nurse decided to leave it at the 90 min. drip for me because of the past issues with my heart.
All was fine until about an hour into the treatment. I started feeling a little sick and my head felt a little strange. I felt like I was going to pass out, so I called my nurse. She tilted me back and took my blood pressure. It was 140/86. She called Dr. Go and he told her to give me some Decadron. After he left, I was crying as a man was walking through my area. He was dressed in a suit and had a gold cross around his neck. He immediately started telling me there was no need to cry, but I should just trust the Lord. Cassie told me his name was Mr. Moses and that he was a pastor that visits the Chemo room regularly. He told me he had a word from the Lord for me-to let go and let God handle the burden. He said he knew I was a child of God's and God was telling him to tell me that I didn't need to cry any more because it was already taken care of. Then he prayed for me. After the Decadron, I finished the last of the Herceptin. My blood pressure and pulse rate was lower and I went home to rest.

How wonderful is God's plan for us that even in our darkest times, He provides messengers with His Word for us!