Discovering Hope & Defining Legacy

Scripture: Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV)
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

When we think of legacy, we often picture a family tree of branches extending generation after generation. But here’s the truth:

Legacy is not only defined by biology. It’s defined by impact.

Infertility, miscarriage, or childlessness, whether by circumstance or choice; may feel like it disqualifies you from legacy. But God’s view is so much bigger. He’s not limited by what can’t be passed down genetically. He’s concerned with what’s passed through love, faith, and obedience.

Legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s how you live now.

• Invest your time and energy into mentoring others
• Finding an organization within your community that you can lend your skills and talents.
• Volunteer at an after school program like the Boys and Girls Club.
• Write a blog or book or create a YouTube series to share who you are.

Hope in the Waiting

Waiting is hard. Not just because of what you’re hoping for, but because of what it feels like you're losing in the meantime.

But scripture is clear: God is never in a rush. He’s not wasting your wait. He’s using it. Molding you. Deepening your faith. Aligning your story with His.

Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.” Even when you can’t see the next one, He’s still guiding your path.

You’re not off-track. You’re not forgotten.
Your legacy is still unfolding; right here in the waiting.

Redefining Legacy

Legacy isn’t just what people say about you when you’re gone. It’s how people experience you while you’re here.

So what does legacy look like in this season?

It’s found in:

• The way you encourage others in their pain
  
• The faith you cling to, even in uncertainty
  
• The love you pour into your marriage, friendships, and community
  
• The kindness that outlives the moment it was given
  
• The truth you speak when others are too scared to say it
  

You’re living a legacy, not someday, but right now.

Response:

Along with your spouse, journal and ask the questions:

• What kind of legacy are we building today?
  
• What do we want people to see in our lives now—not just later?
  
• What small act of love, generosity, or courage can we take this week?
  
• What legacy are we believing for?
  

We honor your desire for family and the grief you feel in its absence; while gently inviting you to see that legacy can live beyond biology.

You don’t have to wait for a future season to matter. Your life is already leaving a mark.

Create a note to journal your thoughts.

Reflection:

• Where have I let my idea of legacy be too narrow?
• How might God be calling me to make an impact?
• How will we begin to instill legacy into how we live our lives?

Take a moment to let God speak to the bigger story He’s writing through your life.

🛐 Prayer

God, thank You that our legacy isn’t limited by what we don’t have; it’s expanded by how we live. You see the desires of our hearts, even the ones we struggle to say out loud. Help us release the pressure to “arrive” and instead embrace purpose in the now. Remind us that You are not distant from our longing. Let our lives be lights that reflect Your goodness, even in the waiting. Give us courage to love deeply, shine brightly, and trust that You’re writing a story bigger than we can imagine. Amen.

"You don’t have to wait to make an impact. You’re already living your legacy."