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

God’s Word Transforms

Have you tried anything new and “transformational” lately?

The world will try to sell you a lot of products and ideas for dramatic improvement — the perfect shampoo, the most effective fitness plan, the right investments … and on it goes. But real and lasting transformation that truly matters for eternity comes from a right relationship with Jesus Christ, guided by the living and powerful Word of God.

The Bible is not just an ancient text; it is the living breath of God! Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT) explains, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”

The Bible teaches, comforts, convicts and changes lives. It has throughout history, it is doing so right now and it will continue in the future as God fulfills His plans and purposes among and through His people all over the world. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT).

Imagine, for a moment, what your life would be like without access to the powerful Word of God. What would you do without its wisdom? How would you feel without its comfort, peace and assurance? Where would you go without its guidance? How would you cope without its strength and hope?

For many women around the world, this is their reality: They don’t have God’s Word in their language to instruct, inspire, guide and transform them.

For those who do have the blessing of knowing the beautiful impact of God’s Word on our lives, we have a great opportunity and precious responsibility to let God show us how to help change reality for those still waiting for Scripture. Think about the impact God could make through you for someone who has not yet experienced the beauty and power of the Bible!

Reflection:

• How has the Bible transformed your life personally?
• How have you experienced the Word of God as “alive and powerful”?
• How would your faith journey be different if you had never had access to Scripture?

Story Spotlight:

A Day at the Salon: Ordinary But Extraordinary | Togo

A hair salon in Togo was the site of one example of God’s life-changing activity. One day a Bible translation team for the Woatsi language visited a local hair salon. Despite the location, the staff weren’t there for haircuts or relaxation. They were there to share some of their translation work — an audio recording of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in their own language.

As the salon workers listened to Jesus’ teaching on God’s love and offer of redemption, they were stunned by how different the message felt in Woatsi. After playing the audio clip, the team members asked the listeners some questions about the passage’s accuracy, clarity and naturalness. This prompted heartfelt discussions on the gospel message, which resulted in the group members each sharing their perspectives on Christ.

Some hairdressers became so passionate about worshipping the Lord that they joined a church! They said, “It’s a joy for us to learn the Bible stories in Woatsi. They touch us deeply and lead us to give our lives to Christ.”

The women continued, “We’ve already heard this story in French, Ewe and many other [languages], but it had no effect on us. Thank you for this initiative; we are proud that the Word of God is available to us in our language.”

Read more about how God is transforming lives in Togo through His Word.