When we suffer loss, the grief can be overwhelming. Jesus felt that same pain when he learned that his cousin John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod. “Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself (Matthew 14:13).”
It’s hard to see God’s purpose in the loss and trials of this life. Despite our grief, the needs of this world do not stop. Because Jesus withdrew to a secluded place, there was room for the mass of people who gathered on shore—the crowds who “followed Him on foot from the cities (14).” This set the stage for the miraculous feeding of more than five thousand.
When Jesus comes to shore he sees this tremendous need standing before him. God drew all the people to Jesus—to this secluded place where there was room for all of them to gather. “When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick (14).” Then in the evening, he fed the thousands gathered with five loaves and two fish (15-21). “And they all ate and were satisfied (20).”
Our own grief can give us empathy for others who suffer from loss or sickness. You may retreat to a secluded place to mourn for a while and then encounter a need standing before you. In your grief, feel the compassion Jesus did and reach out to the need, the opportunities God places on the shore of your life. Share with them the hope that Jesus gives.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. – Luke 6:21, NASB
140 Character Christian 
In following Jesus’ example and showing compassion, we may be surprised to find healing in our own grief. A big part of grief is the feeling of helplessness, but when we are able to help another, we realize we aren’t utterly useless.
That is a great point. It reminds me that God continues to work in our life, helping us to bear fruit even in our grief. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.