Isaiah 61: 1-3 NLT
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

I came across this scripture, specifically verse one, recently as I was scrolling through the Gospel inspired artwork and prints from a company I adore, All Good Things Collective. It’s a company created by women who are seeking a beautiful and abundant life with Christ and passionate about equipping other women with the tools they need to do the same. I am a big fan.

At the time I saw Isaiah 61:1 written out beautifully on a print, I immediately was motivated by the reminder of the mission, ministry, and privilege I have (and yes, you too) as a follower of Christ to speak these truths into my life and to those around me. I love the book of Isaiah, and find that it’s one of the most marked up books in my Bible. So I know for a fact that I have read this chapter before, probably many times over. But again, God’s Word is living and active and at that moment spoke to me from a digital print.

Isaiah is speaking here about the ministry God equipped Him for at that time, which is the same ministry our great God gave His Son, Jesus, when He walked the Earth. And again, it’s the same ministry God is giving us, as followers of Jesus, to do as we walk this Earth.
I love the way this scripture is written, it’s simple. It lists exactly how we can share the Gospel to those around us; to be a bringer of good news, and share that healing, freedom, comfort, and much more are found in Jesus. I am thankful for the reminder this scripture is, and I am motivated and excited to speak these truths more often to those in my life. What a privilege it is to share the path to everlasting life and a life of love, grace, forgiveness, hope, healing, peace, and comfort.

But what I am MOST excited about is how many lives Gospel truths, just like Isaiah 61:1-3, were spoken over this summer, and how many lives I pray are forever changed by the power of the Gospel. With over 6,000 students registered for mission trips, 16 communities with hundreds of community members, and 152 summer staff… I am confident that A LOT of people have experienced beautiful truths found in the Gospel. That’s A LOT of good news shared; broken hearts healed; prisoners of addictions and worldly expectations liberated; saddened, hurt souls comforted. Powerful! What a ripple effect this will create!

I find it a privilege to share the Gospel truths of love, grace, forgiveness, hope, healing, peace, and comfort to those around me, but it’s an even greater privilege to share in this ministry with all of you. I hope you feel encouraged by how much was done in Jesus’ name this summer, but may we not feel satisfied. Our ministry continues on, and may we see it as a privilege.