THE UNSEEN COMMANDER OF THE MISSION
J.D. Ketterman, LCDR, USN (RET)
Today’s Scripture: "For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall." 2 Samuel 22:30, ESV
Theme: No matter how desperate the circumstances, God is bigger, and He has not stopped loving and caring for you.
DURING THE BATTLE
Every crew member and ship in the convoy depicted in the movie Greyhound relied on this Captain to bring them home safely. The Captain in turn relied on the training and dedication of every crew member and the other ships in the screen (a protective guard around the supply ships) to do their duty and maintain the soundness of their ships. The Captain also had to trust himself and his ability to stay in control, be vigilant, and make good decisions. To accomplish all of this, he knew he needed to put his trust in God. He may have recited this verse to himself: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV).
MILITARY DUTY
Standing watch on a ship in the Navy (well, in any service branch) is 95% routine boredom and 5% frenzy. During the battles, the Captain saw the ship’s crew sometimes dozing off in the cold, panicking under fire, missing communications, and even hesitating to complete his commands. He saw the convoy and the screen losing ships to the wolf pack. He faced poor weather, high seas, icing, equipment malfunctions, fires, battle damage, weapon shortages, fuel concerns, and death. Yet faced with all this, his faith was unwavering.
In the Navy, the ship is the Captain and the Captain is the ship. In the end, his screen was relieved of duty when they reached the European Ally’s ships and air coverage. His ship sailed through the convoy and was cheered by each ship he passed. The Captain smiled and went directly to his cabin to praise God. God was his Captain, the unseen Commander of the mission, the ultimate Good Shepherd.
Make It Personal: Make known to all and always acknowledge that God is with you. He is your ultimate Protector. He gave us his Son Immanuel, which translates to “God with us,” to be our Guide and Savior. His love is so great that His Son was sacrificed so that we will not sink with our sins but have everlasting life.
Prayer: Lord, may all have eternal faith that You are with us always. Turn back the seas of doubt and the storms that torment our spirits. As with Your disciples, Lord, we have faith that You are with us and will calm the raging waters. We realize how powerful and gracious Your words can be. To Your holy Name Father, we give all the praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read: Romans 8:31-32, 37-39; Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8, ESV