God’s Word, Her Mission: Encouragement for Women Helping Build God’s Kingdom by Wycliffe Bible Translatorsનમૂનો

Women of the Word

How are you being stretched these days? Maybe you’re literally stretching a lot if you’re following a great fitness routine. In that case, good job!

But what about in other areas of life where stretching feels less rewarding? Are you allowing the figurative stretching that often gets us out of our comfort zones and is painful, awkward or difficult (or all of the above)? Later we realize the positive outcomes from the learning and discipline we experienced during the process. We are called to “... grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a, NLT), and we can’t do that unless we are willing to be lovingly pulled and pushed and challenged!

Throughout Scripture, God used courageous, faith-filled women to move His mission forward. From Mary’s surrender to Lydia’s hospitality to Esther’s courage, their lives shaped history. These were ordinary women with extraordinary obedience. Today, God still calls women to say "yes" to His plans, even when they stretch us. Saying yes to God — letting ourselves be stretched and refined by Him — can be worrisome or even downright scary, especially for those of us who like to know exactly what’s ahead. But Scripture promises that “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26a, NLT).

It’s possible that Mary, Lydia and Esther all considered their own weaknesses and were tempted to decline, but they relied on God’s strength instead of their own. “... We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT). Not only can we rest in that promise, but as we courageously say yes to the Lord and His leading, even in the uncertain and unknown, we can praise Him like Mary did in Luke 1:46-51a (NLT):

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,

and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy,

and he has done great things for me.

He shows mercy from generation to generation

to all who fear him.

His mighty arm has done tremendous things!”

Reflection:

• Who is a biblical woman whose faith inspires you?
• In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit help you in your weaknesses?
• What might God be asking you to say "yes" to now?

Story Spotlight:

A Calling from God, A New Mission for Her People | Solomon Islands

Cecilia’s story began in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. As a young woman, she dropped out of school due to social challenges and stayed home caring for her maternal and paternal grandmothers. Then one day at church, a woman invited Cecilia to a girls’ training center. “That’s where I [discovered] my vocation as a missionary,” Cecilia said.

Sometimes we may think our skills aren’t enough or our season of usefulness has passed. But God has a way of working through every “yes” — even when we whisper it with uncertainty. Cecilia discovered this on a journey that took her across oceans and then back home with a passion for her people to know God’s Word.

For over 20 years, Cecilia had ministered to the poor, led programs for youth and families and helped launch a soup kitchen. She grew in her understanding of God’s Word while she worked with people in challenging circumstances, recognizing the need for people to have hope and experience transformation from the inside out.

While in Colombia, Cecilia studied the Bible, learning Spanish, Greek and Hebrew. But in the midst of that fruitful work, a question from her professor changed her perspective on languages. The professor asked, “Cecilia, how do you pray?” She realized the impact of a person talking to God in their own language. This revealed a need that extended beyond herself: Her own people back in the Solomon Islands didn’t have Scripture in their language.

Returning to the Solomon Islands wasn’t Cecilia’s original plan, but when visa challenges kept her from going back to Colombia, she realized God was opening a new door for her. On New Year’s morning, she prayed a simple prayer: “Oh God, lead me today. Where do You want me to go?”

See how God answered Cecilia's prayer in an incredible way.