Children are funny. They would act brave enough to walk to the toilet alone at night but they would demand that you look and keep looking at them. When you do so, they feel safe. Even if they're behind the door, as long as they are convinced that you are standing right outside, all their worries are gone. They know someone's got them and that is trust right there.

One story in the New Testament informs how Peter was able to walk on water.

While Jesus was standing on the lake He told Peter to come to Him. And Peter did. He knew he could walk on water because Jesus was right there.

Peter was on a boat. He saw the other disciples on the boat with him because water isn't land to be walked on. But what he saw didn't stop him from what he knew. He knew Jesus had got him and that was all that mattered. (Matthew 14:22-33)

Whenever the Israelites saw Goliath they would retreat terrified.

But David came, and what he saw was nothing compared to what he knew. David didn't magnify the enemy, instead he magnified God. (1 Samuel 17)

Elijah saw he was alone.

He saw hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah. But what he saw did not overwhelm what he knew.

He knew God was with him and he knew how powerful God is. He ended up proving how powerless Baal and Asherah were and how mighty the living God is. (1 Kings 18)

This new year - don't let what you see confuse you from what you know!

Stay in faith. If you're not careful, you will get discouraged, you will live without hope, and you will walk misguided.

Stay in faith! Believe that He is with you. Notice God in small things.

You may experience circumstances that you don't understand. And when that happens don't let what you see overthrow what you know.

Trust that God's got you.

What you're facing may seem impossible to overcome,

• financial lack,
• or health deterioration,
• or relationship strife

• but when you keep noticing God's favors
• when you choose to magnify God and not your difficulty
• when you stay in faith and trust that God is with you,

• you'll know that things are going to change,
• you will live in peace,
• you won't be stressed out.

Because you know, God is in control.

Just as he took away the appetite of the hungry lions to save Daniel, know that God is right there with you.

"Take courage, It is I." That's what Jesus told His disciples. (Matthew 14:27)

It is Jesus. He's got you.

Don't magnify your worry. Instead, magnify God's glory.

God is saying, "Take notice of me and take courage."

Happy new year!