DON'T THINK NOW, TAKE THE ROAD

My Utmost For His Highest - Oswald Chambers -June 18th

"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 the 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 with recognition of God in some things, then self-consideration enters in and down we go. If you are truly recognizing your Lord, you have no business with where He engineers your circumstances. The things surrounding you are real, but immediately when you look at them you are overwhelmed, you cannot recognize Jesus, and the rebuke comes: "Wherefore didst thou doubt?" Let actual circumstances be what they may, keep recognizing Jesus, maintain complete reliance on Him.

If you debate for a second when God has spoken, it is all up. Never begin to say - "Well, I wonder if He did speak?" Be reckless immediately, fling it all out on Him. You do not know when His voice will come, but whenever the realization of God comes in the faintest way imaginable, recklessly abandon. It is only by abandon that you recognize Him. You will only realize His voice more clearly by recklessness.

Reckless Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

We began reading a book entitled "Reckless Faith" Let Go and be Led, while driving back from our trip to New York City. Lent to us at apparently just the right time. The trip, at least the portion concerning our meeting with the officials in the consulate, did not pan out as hoped. We seem to be chasing our tails in reference to the idea of registering both of our children's births as well as our marriage with the government of Peru. Without this we can not apply for any type of residency or dual-citizenship. Despite having planned the trip in order to achieve this very goal we left with a peace in regard to the outcome.

Our faith is growing... and we know that our Father in Heaven has a plan. There is a reason that we have not been granted this easy ticket into Peru, could it be for the people we meet later on while trying to resolve this issue in Lima? Maybe the people we'll meet while traveling outside of the country renewing our visas? Quite possibly there could be a hundred different scenarios but we'll just have to hold on to faith and see what unfolds. It can actually be exciting when you look at it from this angle. We are learning that the true excitement that comes from following Jesus only really surfaces when we let go of our plans and security blankets. It is not easy but that is what our hearts long to do, to walk faithfully depending on the power and care of our God... to Let Go and Be Led!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Time for Paperwork

Early this coming week we will be traveling down to New York City to complete paperwork which will hopefully lead to the possibility of obtaining Peruvian passports for the kids as well as opening the door for my (Lisa) permanent residence in Peru. We had attempted this a year ago and ran into a snag but we feel that we should go to apply in person and give it another go versus waiting until we arrive in Peru. The advantage to entering Peru with Peruvian documents means that we will not be required to leave the country at a maximum of six months to renew our visas. Please pray for favor that the proper paperwork will be granted to us before we leave for Peru.

We know that the burning question these days is "do you have a date to leave," and the answer is still no. We do however have a peace that the Lord is in complete control and will open up that door in His timing. Our house is still for sale, now nearing almost the half-way point of our contract with the realtor. Please pray for discernment for us if in the event that it does not sell, how we would be directed of the Lord. In the mean time we continue to live in preparation.

The kids randomly have Spanish lessons with Dad.

We are trying to keep them fluent or at least well-primed for the immersion into a spanish-speaking culture. I've also been looking into home-schooling information and preparing for this facet of the trip as well.

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We've also spent some time visiting with family and friends.

The above picture is of the kids with their older sister Sandra (Eddy's daughter).

At times we have had couples or families over for Peruvian type dinners to meet with them in fellowship and share a bit more in depth about our experiences and vision for Peru. We will continue to do this throughout the remainder of our time here and welcome any who are interested in a meal and fellowship in our home.

Decide to Abandon Retirement as the Reward for Your Life