Sarah, one of my coaching clients, is a gifted, faith-filled woman with a heart bursting to serve others. But when she first came to me, she was hiding. She’d been playing small for years, saying no to opportunities, downplaying her ideas, and silencing her voice because she believed it was holier to stay in the background. She feared that stepping out would seem prideful, or that others might judge her for shining too brightly.
Deep down, Sarah felt a tug from God to live bigger, to use her gifts, and to impact others in a greater way – but fear had her convinced it was safer, and even more “spiritual,” to shrink back. Her story might sound familiar to you, because too many Christian women have believed the same lie.
The truth is, God never called Sarah – or you – to play small.
There’s a dangerous lie that’s been whispered to too many Christian women for far too long: “It’s more godly to stay quiet. Humble means hidden. Don’t make waves. Don’t shine too brightly.” And so, we shrink.
We shrink from opportunities.
We shrink from using our voices.
We shrink from walking boldly in our calling.
We tell ourselves it’s humility, but often it’s fear wearing a holy mask.
But here’s the truth: God didn’t call you to play small. In fact, shrinking back is not humility – it’s disobedience wrapped in self-protection.
Hebrews 10:39 says it clearly: “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and are saved.” Shrinking back doesn’t protect you; it robs you – and the world – of the gift God placed inside of you.
You Were Created to Shine
God handcrafted you with intention. Your gifts, your voice, your ideas, your passions, they are not accidents. They are assignments. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “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.”
Let that sink in: God has good works already prepared just for you. Not for someone else. Not for someday. But for you to walk in right now.
When you downplay your calling or silence your gifts, you’re not being modest – you’re withholding the glory that belongs to God through your life. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” He never asked you to dim your light. He told you to shine.
The Root of Playing Small
Many of us play small because we’re afraid.
▪️Afraid of being judged.
▪️Afraid of failing.
▪️Afraid of being misunderstood.
▪️Afraid of thinking too highly of ourselves.
But true humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking rightly about yourself in light of who God is.
Romans 12:3 tells us, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Notice that it doesn’t say think lowly of yourself. It says think rightly. That means acknowledging your gifts, your calling, and your value with the full awareness that they all come from God.
How to Stop Shrinking and Start Living Boldly
If you’ve been playing small, it’s not too late to rise. Here are three steps to start living boldly as the woman God called you to be:
- Repent and Realign.
Ask God to forgive you for the times you’ve hidden what He entrusted to you. Invite Him to realign your heart with His vision for your life. He’s not disappointed in you. He’s ready to empower you. - Renew Your Mind with Truth.
Replace lies with truth. Meditate on scriptures like 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Declare it daily until your mind believes it. - Rise and Take the First Step.
Bold obedience is built one step at a time. Don’t wait to feel ready. Just say “yes” and move. Whether it’s speaking up, launching that business, writing the book, or leading the Bible study – do it afraid, but do it with God.
You’re Not Bragging, You’re Obeying
Walking boldly in your purpose is not arrogance – it’s obedience. God gets the glory when His daughters rise in faith and walk out their divine assignment.
So, stop shrinking.
▪️Take up space.
▪️Speak with authority.
▪️Serve with passion.
▪️Create with excellence.
▪️Lead with confidence.
Because when you rise, you give other women permission to rise too.
God didn’t call you to play small. He called you to live full lives, shine bright, and glorify Him in everything you do. Now is your time.
Today, Sarah is no longer shrinking. She has stepped into her calling with courage, using her God-given gifts to serve and lead in ways that glorify Him. She’s speaking up, sharing her story, and walking in a confidence rooted in Christ, not herself. Sarah discovered that it’s not a sin to shine for God; in fact, it’s worship.
What God did for Sarah, He can do for you. He is ready to break the chains of fear and self-doubt so you can live fully as the woman He created you to be. Stop shrinking. Step forward in faith. Let your light shine. Because when you live big for the Lord, you honor the One who made you, and you bless everyone He’s called you to serve.
