Matthew 14 is mostly about miracles.
There are no divine miracles without decisive moments.
Matthew 14:13 (NIV) 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.
LIFE HAPPENS
Matthew 14:1-2 (NIV) At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
Life comes with concerns.
Matthew 14:3-5 (NIV) Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.
Life comes with sin.
Matthew 14:6-8 (NIV) On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
Life comes with people.
Matthew 14:9-11 (NIV) The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
Life comes with injustice.
Matthew 14:12 (NIV) John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Life comes with loss.
John 11:35 (NIV) Jesus wept.
Matthew 14:13-14 (NIV) 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.
Life comes with opportunity.
What is ahead for you in 2025?
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN LIFE HAPPENS
Matthew 14:13 (NIV) 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.
1. When Life Happens, Look For Solitary Moments.
Scripture
Colossians 3:16 (NIV) Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Pause
Psalms 94:19 (NASB)
19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul.
Psalms 94:19 (MSG) When I was upset and beside myself,
you calmed me down and cheered me up.
Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NIV) Rejoice always, 17 pray continually,
Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 14:13-14 (NIV) 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.
2. When Life Happens, Look For Compassion.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
God shows compassion through us.
Life is not just about you.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
God has compassion for us.
Matthew 14:14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
3. When Life Happens, Look For Miracles
Do not allow tragedy to keep you from opportunity.
Anticipate divine appointments.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
There are no divine miracles without decisive moments.
Believe for miracles.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
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