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

Created With Purpose

Do you know that wonderful feeling of finally having a day off? When you wake up with no plans set in stone and just an empty schedule ahead of you to fill with anything — or nothing at all?

A day like that can be so restful and rejuvenating. It can give you a much-needed break from the stresses of your everyday life and schedule.

But what if every day was like that? It would feel strange, wouldn’t it? Having no plan, purpose or pattern for any of your days or activities would make them feel empty, pointless or random. Eventually, the emptiness could even become chaotic and destructive.

Your heavenly Father certainly is not random. His perfect patterns and designs are evident everywhere. Look at endless examples in His magnificent creation — and especially look right in the mirror! You are made in His image, on purpose, with love so great no one can fully fathom it. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) says: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Don’t skim past that Scripture unaffected: Take hold of it and believe it, remembering constantly that you are God’s masterpiece and He has good things planned for you!

God did not create you casually, accidentally or aimlessly. He designed you intentionally and gave you gifts, passions and a calling. Your daily life overflows with opportunities to influence people in your family, your friendships and your community. Not only that, but God invites you into something even greater: to be part of His global purpose and make His Word known to all people.

God has shaped you to need His Word and know His Word, and He will help you carry it to others who need it too — not only in your immediate circles but in His entire, incredible world.

Reflection:

• In what ways has God uniquely designed you to serve?
• How has God shown you the ongoing need you have for His Word? What happens when that need is not met?
• How can aspects of your everyday life help make a global impact?

Story Spotlight:

Empowering Women Through God’s Word | Peru

Humbelina never anticipated a life in ministry. When she was young, her parents wanted nothing to do with the church. It wasn’t until she met her husband, a Bible translator, that she began to consider God’s love for her and His mission in the world. She never would have imagined that God would invite her to be part of that mission through her heart for educating women in her community.

One day, Humbelina went to a village near her own hometown in Peru to lead a “Women of the Bible” workshop. About 100 women had gathered to participate in the study designed to teach comprehension and application in their language of Huallaga Quechua.

But when Humbelina tried to pass out worksheets and pencils, the women didn’t seem interested. They took worksheets to take them home for their kids to play with instead of using them for the study. But not a single woman took a pencil from Humbelina.

Her heart sank. “How many of you know how to read and write?” she asked. Of the 100 women in attendance, six raised their hands.

Humbelina returned to her community, devastated. Feeling helpless, she and other women began praying, asking God what they could do about this great need for literacy. God answered Humbelina repeatedly, “You will be useful! I can use you. I will use you.”

Discover how God used Humbelina to minister to women in her community.