There are situations in life where we may be tempted to shrink back so that other people don’t feel insecure around us. Perhaps it is part of the “tall poppy” syndrome that we don’t want to stand out in case others get offended or try to take us down. Yet if we make it a habit to always shrink back in our beliefs, values, talents and who we are, we do ourselves and others a disservce because what the world needs is people who will shine in the darkness. For when we choose to shine we also give other people permission to shine too. “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others”. (M Williamson)
Marianne Williamson wrote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. “
Each one of us has something to bring to the world. No matter how small or insignificant we may feel, for God has created each one of us with the ability and capacity to shine and be a blessing, “Even small lights have a way of being seen in a dark world” (N. Maxwell) Sometimes people may find our “shining” threatening or even irritating, but we shouldn’t allow that to cause us to shrink back, or become less than who God says we are just because our brightness highlights someone else’s state of lack, unhappiness or insecurities.
Most of us are far more powerful than we give ourselves credit for, and when we know Jesus that capacity only increases as we realise who we are in Him and the authority and ability we have. In Him impossible things become possible as previous limits are lifted off our lives and His power working in us causes us to only shine more brightly.
Today determine not to shrink back any longer in life, but to step up into all that God says you are. If you’re not sure who that is yet I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus; open up His Word and see what He has to say about your life and the good plans He has for you, and then choose to shine because “who are you not to be brilliant, talented, gorgeous and fabulous? – You are a child of God!”
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before me, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15-16)
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” (1 John 3:1)
Prayer: Lord thankyou for all that you have made me to be. Please help me to stop shrinking back in case someone else gets offended, or living in fear when you have created me to shine. Help me to come out of hiding and the shadows so I can begin to be all that you have made me to be today. In Jesus name Amen.
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