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

God’s Word, Her Legacy

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by everything? Sometimes our lives are full, our to-do lists are long and our minds are at total capacity. There are times when we are so busy that we don’t want to think any further beyond just getting through the day.

But what we do today, whether big or small, affects the future. It’s good to constantly be aware of that — not from a place of stress but of acceptance. You know that if you set a big goal or create a lofty plan, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes intention, discipline and diligence to get the smaller tasks done to achieve the ultimate goal.

There’s no better goal we can achieve with our lives than leaving a good legacy. We’re called to point others to our heavenly Father and to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We pass on our faith to those around us right now and for generations to come. Psalm 145:4-7 (NLT) reminds us of our legacy in Christ:

“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;

let them proclaim your power.

I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor

and your wonderful miracles.

Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;

I will proclaim your greatness.

Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;

they will sing with joy about your righteousness.”

You can make that prayer and praise your own today too, vowing to declare and share God’s goodness and righteousness, especially to those still waiting to encounter Him through His Word in a language and format that touch their hearts. Living on mission is about more than earthly obedience: It's about eternal legacy. Your faith, prayers and passion for God’s Word can shape generations!

In Scripture, Hebrews 11 details many ancient heroes of the faith. It begins, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation” (Hebrews 11:1-2, NLT). The book goes on to inspire us with the highlights of their lives that left a legacy of faith for us to follow.

Whether you’re a mom, a mentor, a friend, a leader or any/all of the above, don’t ever forget this: Your life is a testimony. And as you live for God’s glory, others will follow.

Reflection:

• Which mentors in your life and heroes of the faith touch your heart and inspire you the most?
• What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave?
• Who are you investing in to carry the mission forward?

Story Spotlight:

A Long, Faithful, Generous Life: Dottie’s Legacy | United States

Time is one of our most precious resources, and how we spend it reflects what matters most to us. Does the way you spend your time align with what brings you joy and fulfillment? How are you using your time on earth to make a difference for eternity?

At the age of 102, Dottie Brown continues to steward her time for the Kingdom of God. Since the 1960s, she and her husband have supported 17 missionary families, as well as various Bible translation projects. Dottie has even had the opportunity to attend Scripture celebrations! Her living legacy of perseverance and generosity shows us that every day is an opportunity to make an eternal difference. Dottie knows the power that God’s Word can make in people’s lives — now and for generations to come.

She said, “The Bible is God’s Word. That is the direction for our lives. The only thing we can do is give [people] the Word and pray that it will sink into their hearts so that they understand what the Lord wants for them in their heart language.”

Dottie generously devoted so many years of her life to the mission of Bible translation because she knows that two things last for eternity: God’s Word and people.

Learn more about Dottie and her legacy of love and generosity.

We hope this plan encouraged you! Learn more about Women of the Word and find your place in this community of women who love God’s Word, live it boldly and share it wherever God leads them!

For over 80 years, Wycliffe Bible Translators has been connecting people to what God is doing around the world through His Church to bring His life-transforming Word to every man, woman and child.