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

Jesus just heard that his good friend, his frontrunner in ministry, and close cousin, John the Baptist, has been beheaded. So he wanted to get some time alone to think and pray. Doing this, he withdrew to a peaceful place away from the ministry.

Have you ever felt that the challenges of life are just too much? Have you lost a loved one, and the pain and heartache of it are just too much to bear?

I have. I lost my mom at 13, lost my home as a young adult, lost my job a couple of times, had a couple of failed businesses, and have had to deal with the loss of relationships in the toughest of times. Sometimes it felt like the wind got knocked out of me. Other times it felt like a back stab that flared every time I saw the person. Dreams died and plans were squashed.

Through it all God has remained faithful to me. And now I see by Jesus’ model he calls me to higher ground.

Fresh off of John the Baptist’s death, he had every right to take a break from his ministry. Sometimes these breaks are needed. Other times, God has bigger plans for us in our grief.

So when the crowds came, he had compassion on them. I like to think he served them in honor of God first and foremost, but also in remembrance of John and his ministry. So he healed their sick. He exerted himself in grief to serve God.

And what happened was a tribute to Jesus’ obedience and John’s life all in one: he modeled obedience to God’s plan in the hardest of times for his disciples. The multitude was fed by the lunch of a small boy (more on this tomorrow). And he modeled a “reckless faith” in God.

When we are wrecked in life, the best move is to have a reckless faith in God. I say reckless, because at the toughest and worst times of our lives, placing this faith in a person will not always end up well. I have tried this. I know. But God is always trustworthy and faithful! So what may seem reckless to the world, is courageous and wise in relation to God.

What can I have a “reckless faith” about … with God today?

Lord, thank you for the “reckless” faith in you Jesus demonstrated in his life. Help me to have this kind of radical faith too.. Grow me to trust you more. Help me to lean on you all the more when life is falling apart. You are faithful!