Gain from a loss

Scripture:

12John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

13When 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. 14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 

Matthew 14:12-14

Devotional:

This chapter goes on to show one of the biggest miracles Jesus did during his time on earth. He fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, with plenty of leftovers. All right, after receiving terrible news. 

We do not have to let our tragedies or setbacks determine our future. We can grow and learn from them, but first, we need to take the same step that Jesus did. He withdrew and went to a private place. I imagine he intentionally spent this time with the Lord, letting the bad news process and grieving his loss. Lots of us like to distract ourselves when we receive bad news to take a break from the pain. But this verse shows me that we need to face the news head-on with the Lord by our side. Talk it out with the lord, cry with him, yell with him. Take the time to share your thoughts with him, because when we are weak, we can be made strong through Him. 

After Jesus had his time of solitude, he felt compassion, began healing others, and then fed the 5,000. What if Jesus didn’t turn to God to process the bad news? Would he still have healed the sick or fed the 5,000? Your bad news can be used for good if you turn to him. Don’t let your tragedy stay a tragedy. Let God use it for good.  

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for turning graves into gardens. Please make me strong when I am weak by relying on you. Thank you for always being by my side. Amen.