“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.” Luke 4:18b

While having breakfast at McDonald's with my son, I noticed a young man in line waiting to place his order. The name "Michael" suddenly came to mind, and I felt a strong urge to call out to him. To my surprise, he looked back at me and responded, “Do I know you?” I was astounded and replied, “No.” Stunned, I turned to look at my son, who was wide-eyed and appeared confused. “I’m not sure what is happening here; just go with it and trust me,” I said. Feeling flustered and out of my mind, the words came to me: “Tell him it will be okay; to have hope in what he seeks today.” Michael was still in line, now giving his order; I quickly shared with my son what I think I’m supposed to say to Michael. I assured him I don’t know what this is all about, but I believe I need to share that message with him. I said, “Whatever happens, if you feel the need to get up and leave, do so.”

All week I had been praying for God to use me to share his message, to give me the courage because I didn’t feel qualified or equipped to share about Jesus properly. I yearned to do this for Jesus; I wanted others to know him as I did.

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

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Michael's girlfriend approached our table, demanding to know how we knew him. I insisted I didn't know him, though I was surprised to call him by that name. Michael, looking guarded and confused, joined us and stood next to her.

Sharing with Michael what just happened and giving him the message that came to me, I asked him, “Would you know why that message may be important for me to tell you? I can’t even begin to explain how I would know your name; it just happened.” He let me know he was there to apply for a job, and that they were taking on-the-spot interviews. I said, “Well, there you have it. I guess God just wanted to let you know he hears you and wants you to know it’s going to be okay. How about we just leave it at that.” My son said with urgency, it was time to leave the restaurant to get to our appointment.

My son and I were overwhelmed with emotions, gasping in excitement, still amazed by what had just happened. We were both visibly shaking from the inside out. My son showed me his arm hairs sticking straight up from his goosebumps.

We reached the steps of our destination and heard Michael calling after us. After following us a few blocks, still confused and taken aback by what happened, they questioned our motives and reasoning again. My son responded, “I’m not sure what happened either, but I can tell you, it has to be something greater beyond my mom because she's shaking in fear of what just happened too.”

I asked if we could pray with them, that perhaps it may help all of us bring peace to this unexplainable event. My son and I both prayed with them, hugged, and gave blessings to whatever the rest of our day would bring. After the prayer, Michael shared that his parents could no longer care for him. Being in his teenage years, he had spent months sleeping on his aunt's couch, and she had been the only person he could truly rely on. His aunt regularly attends church. He planned to tell her all about what happened today.

Perhaps she had been praying for God to help and speak to Michael. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19 NIV)

As Michael and his girlfriend walked away, a young man who followed them, dressed all in black with his hoodie pulled up over his head, came up and said, "I overheard what happened back in McDonald’s and was curious about what was going on." We initially thought he knew them and was with them, but he wasn’t. He continued, “What’s this all about?” We shared the quick version with him, and then to our surprise he asked us to pray for him. It was a bewildering yet exhilarating morning. There was a sense of excitement in the mysterious and unexpected ways God can use us when you ask.

I believe that God acted in this extraordinary way because my heart was seeking to save souls, reassuring them through faith and love for Jesus that hope and salvation await all who are ready to receive.

Poor in Spirit: A humility and recognition of our need for God is what grants us access to the kingdom of heaven. We must recognize we are spiritually bankrupt and in need of God.

1. Are you “Poor in Spirit”?

2. When was the last time you shared the Good News beyond your Christian friends and family?

3. What is God inviting you to currently that you hesitate responding to?

Today, pause for a few minutes and sit in the presence of God. As you slowly breathe in and out, at a moment when you feel relaxed in your thoughts, ask God to use you to share his gift of salvation with those who are broken-hearted, poor in spirit, oppressed, and still captive in darkness.

Lord,
Provide me with courage to share the Good News. When I find myself in a situation to share the message you have given me, may I remain humble in heart. May they find hope through your power to release them from what holds them captive. Help me be obedient and lay down my insecurities, passing on the message of salvation to the broken-hearted and poor in spirit.

Good News

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