Blessed Controller

God, who is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings

and the master of all masters… 1 Timothy 6:13-16 J.B. Phillips

Waves, crashing and rolling in the dark of night, Peter climbed out of the pitching and yawing boat and set off across the foaming waves toward Jesus, who walked peacefully atop the surface of the water—“the blessed controller of all things”. These were not timid men. Most were fishermen hardened to heavy toil and the rough, unpredictable waters of the Sea of Galilee. Storms were nothing new, but on this night, the ferocity of the thunder, lightning streaking across the sky, and the tumult of the waves frightened them.

To the amazement of his companions, Peter strode across the thrashing sea with confidence, his eyes fixed on Jesus’ face. In a moment of panic, he glanced down in amazement at the churning water beneath his feet, his heart filled with fear of the impossible, and he began to sink.

The great and powerful God who rules the universe promises never to let me go. God promises to keep us afloat through any trial, bringing us to safe harbor when we focus on Him, no matter how distant the solid ground appears. My heart and my feet might fail, but my God has promised He never will.

As I navigated the waters of infertility, chronic illness, my father’s sudden death, and my husband’s job loss, God has proved unfailing in his faithfulness and mercy. When the end result appears uncertain, my thoughts stray to the worst possible outcome. My heart knows God is the blessed controller, but my mind can’t conceive of his ability to make things right. I grow faint, my feet falter, and whitecaps of fear drag me under choppy waves of doubt.

When the storms of life threaten to drag me beneath the waves, I must remember the blessed controller who prevails over the tempest. Though trials may buffet, God will never allow me to sink. He will not fail, for our God is mighty to save.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, March 14, 2014, & January 4, 2018

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.