Monday, November 2, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 1 Kings 5-9 | John 11

It has never been abrupt. I create distance one step at a time because part of me keeps replaying what was - backyard barbecues, pickup basketball games, road trips, or a smile of acknowledgment. The memories alter depending on the person, but the distance always grows the same way when I decide things are too complicated to handle.

Most of us have a list of people we’ve labeled as too complicated for various reasons, such as addictions, broken relationships, anger issues, mental struggles, or anything else we see as too flawed. Distance happens when we cringe at the name on our phone screens, when we don't text back as often, when we don't care about their isolation, when memories don't compare to the present, or when we think our prayers are lost on them. 

Mark chapter 5 introduces us to a man walking among the tombs, tortured, and living in isolation. His community knew him, but circumstances made him too dangerous for them to see behind the mess. Not Jesus.

Mark 5:6
When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 

Instead of distancing himself, Jesus entered the space others feared. 

Where we see danger in a person, Jesus sees a child worth rescuing. Where we see hopelessness, Jesus sees a life that can be restored.

A person can live among the dead, but Jesus can step into that grave and show he isn't finished with that life. Think about the people in your life who you consider “too complicated.” Some have changed for the better. The others? Jesus is still working on them, even if they haven't received that memo.

By Mark 5:15, that same tortured man is sitting with Jesus. He's dressed and in the right state of mind. He didn't stay where his community had left him. The same can be true for anyone on your list, or for you. 

Jesus isn't afraid of the people you fear or the parts of your own story labeled as complicated. No one has to live in shame, hide their pain, or be disqualified by the past. Where you see human flaws, Jesus sees potential.

Questions:
What part of your story are you afraid to bring to Jesus because you think it's too dark, shameful, or complicated?

Do you distance yourself from others because their circumstances feel too complicated?

How would your life change if you believed Jesus sees more in you than your worst choices and experiences?

Next Steps: 
Identify the places in your life that keep you isolated. Bring them to Jesus through honest prayer, and then confide in a trusted friend or mentor.

Let your testimony be an open book. Share how God has restored you so others can see their story isn't finished.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to move toward me when others move away. Thank you for seeing beyond my mistakes, struggles, and darkest moments. Help me to stop believing that my brokenness makes me unworthy of your presence. Grant me the courage to bring every part of my story to you, even the chapters I'm ashamed to revisit. Teach me to extend others the same compassion Jesus showed among the tombs. I know no darkness is greater than your power to restore. Amen.

Written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.