An Unexpected Mercy

How God used an encounter with a motorcycle club to help me experience His love

Several weeks ago I had a tough morning. I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to get up early. I got some coffee and sat down to read the Bible, and almost as soon as I began, it felt like I was under attack.

I’m not a stranger to spiritual warfare, but on this particular morning I was wrestling with feelings of desperation that I just couldn’t seem to shake. I was reading verses about specific blessings that God has promised us, and I was having a hard time reconciling those things with some of the events going on in my life. I felt lonely, overlooked, and outcast.

My mind knew to trust the Lord and to be patient, but my heart felt drained. I was caught in a war between will and emotion, and all I could do was pray.

My wife, Ashley, woke up a few hours later. She listened as I explained what I was feeling. She encouraged me by reminding me that I carried the light of the Holy Spirit and that He would see me through. Then she said, “Maybe there’s a reason you’re dressed for work an hour early. Why don’t you go get a coffee? Maybe there’s someone who needs to see the light.”

I prayed as I drove towards one of my favorite coffee shops. “God,” I said, “Thank you for the light of the Holy Spirit in me. Thank you for salvation. Thank you for doing what I can't do. Thank you that you never abandon me. Thank you for being strong when I feel weak. Please help me carry the light of your presence everywhere I go.”

The coffee shop was closed. I drove to another one, but it was closed, too. I kept driving until I came to a restaurant I had never seen before. It wasn't in the best part of town, but the sign said they were open for breakfast. I decided to give it a shot.

As I walked up to the door, I prayed, “Lord, here we go. Please let your light shine through me to bless whoever is in the restaurant. Your will be done.”

Then I walked through the door, and I couldn't believe my eyes.

The place was packed with bikers, all wearing their colors. Nearly every seat was taken as they crowded around the tables.

For a moment I thought, “Lord, what have I gotten myself into?”

Then I realized who they were.

This wasn't just any motorcycle club. It was the Christian Motorcycle Association. The entire restaurant was filled with brothers and sisters in Christ.

I went there in faith thinking God might want me to be a light in a dark place. Instead, God allowed them to be a light to me. I thought I was walking into a dark cave, but the Lord led me into a place overflowing with the light of the Holy Spirit.

Nobody scowled at me or judged me for being there. They smiled. They laughed. They had a great time. And even though I wasn't wearing their colors, they felt like family because of Christ. I could feel the presence of Jesus all around me.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

I started the day feeling sad and desperate, but through Ashley’s encouragement, the Lord helped me step out in faithfulness. And in those steps, God directed me to a place where I was surrounded by His light. He met my heartache with a level of mercy I didn't expect.

It touched my heart so deeply I almost cried. Thankfully, God extended His mercy even further, and I didn’t tear up in front of the bikers!

I share this with you to encourage you. Don’t ever underestimate the Spirit of God within you. The light of His presence shining in your heart may be exactly what someone needs to experience, even if you aren’t aware of it. And if you will just step out in faith, the Lord will direct you. You will find yourself in a place where His light shines and His glory is revealed.

God sees you. Will you trust Him and step out in faithfulness? Will you allow Him to direct your steps?