Happy Friday! Yesterday, we read about the beheading of John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin). Remember John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Let’s continue reading chapter 14.

BIBLE VERSE  – Matthew 14:13-14 NLT
“¹³ As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. ¹⁴ Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

REFLECTION
These verses give us a glimpse of Jesus after he heard the news of his cousin’s death. This was a moment of sorrow for Jesus, not only because of the loss of his cousin, but also because his cousin was a faithful servant of God. While Jesus left to be alone, the people still followed him. Even in the midst of the reality that his cousin was dead, Jesus still had compassion on those who still needed a savior and needed to be healed. In spite of what was going on – Jesus remained focused on God’s will for Him.

Sisters and brothers, I’m not looking for applause, but I want to share that some of my most painful days (e.g., death of my mom, murder of my niece, hospitalization of my husband, a terrible car accident of my daughter, my own illness, death of my uncle, death of friends, etc.), I got up (with the help the Lord – each day), remained focused on God’s plan, read the word and the Lord strengthened me on those difficult days to continue to get these messages out, not just to do it but because the Spirit was prompting me and I knew many of my readers need to read the encouraging words of God. Again, I’m not looking for applause, but I want you to know, in the midst of your pain – loss of loved ones or an illness the Lord knows what you are going through. There may be a time where you may need to retreat – get away and be alone, but don’t stay stuck there… We still have Kingdom work that needs to be done. There are people’s lives that are still at risk of living their lives and eternity without Jesus.

Sisters and brothers, God will give us the strength to continue to press on and move forward with His plan for our lives as we impact lives around us. The Lord will not waste one tear we’ve cried or a painful moment we’ve had to endure.

Question to Ponder

• Will you trust Jesus to heal your pain? ________
• Will you let Him use all your pain and mourning to minister to others who have experienced the same thing? __________
• Will you direct others to Christ, our Savior and Lord so that they may be forgiven, healed and restored? __________

Let the healing begin.

PRAYER
Father God, in the name of Jesus we come to you today asking for peace in our hearts and for healing in our minds and souls. Lord, only you know the depths of our pain – spoken and unspoken, but Lord we do not want to be comfortable there. Lord, whatever pain is haunting us, whatever loss we have had to endure, whatever tragedy in life we escaped or wish to escape we are asking that you break us free from those chains. Lord, we do not want to be a prisoner to those things anymore. Lord, we do not want that pain to dictate our future. Lord, we no longer want to live in fear that creates chaos and confusion around us. Lord, we do not want to turn to addictive devices to numb our pain. Lord we want to turn to you. Lord, you alone have the power to heal us, to bind addiction, to release our need for control and save us from ourselves. Lord, pour out your Holy Spirit into our lives and hearts so that we may continue in Your strength to move forward. Lord, thank you for your love. Thank you for your mercy and compassion toward us. Lord, continue to work in us and change us. In Jesus name, amen!

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