S. Matthew 14:13-15 (NIV) 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
O. Jesus and His disciples had just dealt with the loss of John the Baptist. It was probably a gut wrenching, emotional experience. Nevertheless, Jesus withdrew to a private place, I presume to pray, connecting with God the Father. Soon afterwards, there were a lot people that followed Him. Jesus then performs two miracles.
Thought: Despite the gut wrenching, emotional experiences of losing John the Baptist, Jesus performed miracles. Despite times when things looked awful, God can still work miracles in our lives. We should stop looking and grieving in the past and fix our eyes on Jesus and what He wants to do in our lives next.
A. I have experienced gut wrenching, emotional, trying moments in life and ministry. I have seen the Lord do amazing things (miracles) that help me leave the past behind. So I will continue to keep my focus on Him and believe Him to do miracles for me and through me.
P. Thank you Father for your word. Thank you that I can come to you in times that are very difficult and know you will not only protect me but you will be working miracles in my life in ministry if I’ll just keep my focus ahead and on you and not the past. In Jesus’ name!
