More Than a Farm: The God-Given Call to Protect Your Legacy

 Faith without action is dead.

“Just as a human body without the spirit is a dead corpse, so faith without the expression of good works is dead!” — James 2:26 (TPT)

That truth might seem out of place in a conversation about farm succession, but it’s exactly where we need to start. Farmers are known for their work ethic—when it’s time to plant or harvest, nothing gets in the way. But when it comes to planning for the future of the farm, many hesitate… and delay becomes dangerous.

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” — Ecclesiastes 11:4

I’ve watched families stall for years, unsure how to start—or afraid to make the wrong move. And that delay can quietly destroy everything they’ve built.

It reminds me of the man in John 5 who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” Then He told him to “Pick up your mat and walk.”
The man could have stayed stuck—but he moved. And everything changed.

That’s the invitation for you as well.

You’ve been entrusted with a sacred calling—not just to work the land, but to protect your family’s legacy for generations. That takes more than hope—it takes action.

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…” — Proverbs 13:22

When Wishes Aren’t Enough

I once met a family with a thriving fourth-generation farm. Three siblings worked together, and the father believed he’d made his intentions clear: the oldest son would take over.

But there was no legal plan.

Two years after his death, the second sibling pushed for his share. With no documents in place, the courts stepped in. The result? The entire operation was liquidated. Cattle sold. Equipment gone. The land divided. The family broken.

This wasn’t about greed. It was about a lack of planning.

Courts don’t honor good intentions—they follow the law. And when there’s no written plan, the outcome is rarely what anyone hoped for.

What’s Really Holding You Back?

Another family came to me in tears. They wanted to plan—but fear had frozen them:

  • What if the kids don’t like it?

  • What if things change?

  • What if we’re not ready?

Here’s what I told them: You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.

A plan can evolve. But waiting until everything feels “perfect” is how legacies are lost.

Planning Isn’t a Lack of Faith—It’s an Act of It

Some people believe planning means they’re not trusting God enough. But the Bible makes it clear: stewardship is a sign of wisdom, not doubt.

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” — Matthew 6:20

Succession planning doesn’t mean you idolize the land. It means you’re protecting your family from unnecessary pain—and making room for blessing to continue.

Will You Pick Up Your Mat?

God gave you this land.
God gave you your family.
And God has equipped you to lead.

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a faithful next step.

“So now wrap your heart tightly around the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises.” — Hebrews 10:23 (TPT)

So here’s the question:
Will you pick up your mat and walk?


Click the link to get a free roadmap to help with your farm succession planning:  Succession Planning Roadmap

If you have questions I can help with, click the link to set up a free consultation: Free Consultation


Book Currently in Editing:



Heather Venenga

605-880-1649

heather@havest-legacy.com

Follow me at Harvest Legacy Facebook for cool updates on the book and more valuable info. 

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