To the Peters

For someone out there... "Slow down, beloved. The pressure of your emotions makes you feel like you must make a decision quickly. More than the quick response, I'm looking for you to make the decision that aligns with Me...the decision that lays the foundation that LASTS. YOU are chosen by Me as a stone that I am building on. But to become a Peter for Me, you must lay down your Simon." Simon comes from Greek origin meaning "snub nosed" or, in Hebrew, meaning "HEAR, LISTEN". As you begin to HEAR and LISTEN, the prideful nature is being cast out as you transform into a stone...a solid foundation for building. Hear, listen. Google defines stubborn as "having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so." or "difficult to move, remove, or cure." I feel God impressing in this, "I LOVE your determination. I created it! But be determined to follow the ebb and flow of My Spirit and to stand firm on My word. Do NOT become determined NOT TO CHANGE. I am doing a work in you that isn't finished. More change is still happening. Be moveable and flexible. Let Me bring the cure the best way - not the way that looks easily. Though I take you what appears like the more difficult path, requiring leaps out of your comfort zone and the sacrifice of your control, I take you on the best path. Any other path that appears easy that I have warned you against will actually make your road more difficult. Trust in this paradox that I am taking you the BEST way. The slow way, but from slow and solid beginnings come unparalleled growth and momentum." There is an emphasis I have seen in my recent time with the Lord on obedience. Not in condemnation, as if you have not been obedient, but in preparation because attacks attempt to derail your listening. Be a vigilant listener, keeping your hope and PEACE secured. I had a dream in which a large snake was stealing shoes. He was slow and easy to beat if you were aware of what he was doing. Immediately, upon waking, I remembered the scripture in Ephesians 6 about our feet being fitted with the shoes of the READINESS OF GOSPEL OF PEACE. "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15).The enemy is trying to distract you so that you are no longer in your READY TO MOVE stance. He attempts to slowly take away our hope (that there's no good news) or our peace (that we must be anxious), and both of these are lies. Guard against lost shoes! Keep listening diligently with readiness because this is a time of building on you, Peters!