Fast Day 12: God Speaks in Every Language

By Christina Post

Romans 10:14–15 (NKJV) (Optional additional reading: Psalm 119:105; Revelation 7:9)“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”

As the sun rose over the hills of Papua New Guinea, a woman walked along a jungle path, carrying woven string bags heavy with garden produce. As she passed the new grass-thatched church, her eyes brimmed with questions. She had heard of Jesus. She believed He might be real. But she had never read a single word of Scripture in her own language. Not a verse. Not a story. Not a whisper of the Word made flesh, spoken in the language she dreamed in. That morning, she said softly to herself, “If God made me, why doesn’t He speak my language?” Her question is not uncommon. Even today, millions of people live without access to the Bible in a language they can fully understand. They may hear about God—but without His Word in their heart language, it is very difficult to develop an intimate relationship with Him. Romans 10 reminds us that faith comes by hearing—but hearing requires someone to be sent. Bible translation is not merely a technical task or an academic pursuit; it is an act of love and obedience. It is the Church saying, “God sees you. God speaks to you. God wants to be known by you.”

Access to Scripture is not just about information—it is about transformation. When people receive God’s Word in their heart language, communities are changed:

• Faith deepens and discipleship becomes rooted and lasting.

• Cultural identity is redeemed, bringing dignity, worth, and purpose.

• Reconciliation replaces division and fear.

• Local church leaders are equipped and strengthened.

• Worldviews shift—from fatalism or fear of spirits to hope in Christ.

The impact spans across generations and into eternity.

When we fast and pray today, we are standing with those who are still waiting—waiting to hear God speak in the language they understand best. And we are joining God’s mission to ensure that every tribe, tongue, and nation has access to His life-giving Word.

• Why do you think hearing Scripture in one’s own language is so powerful and personal?

• What might change in a community when God’s Word becomes accessible to everyone?

• How might God be inviting you—through prayer, generosity, or awareness—to participate in His global mission?

Prayer Points:

Pray for the millions of people who still do not have the Bible in their heart language—that they would soon encounter God through His Word.

Pray for Bible translators, linguists, pastors, and local believers—that God would give them wisdom, endurance, unity, and protection.

Pray for the global Church to remain faithful in sending, supporting, and interceding until every language has access to Scripture.

Pray that God’s Word would bring lasting transformation—spiritual, cultural, and generational—wherever it is translated and read.