Do you desire to be a better witness for Jesus, but sometimes feel hesitant, ill-equipped, or inadequate because you wonder what people might say or think? When the opportunity comes to speak His name, do you struggle to find the right words? You’re not alone.
A few years ago, I celebrated fifty years of walking with Jesus. In that special season, I took time to reflect, and the Lord gently pointed out something I had avoided for years: sharing my faith outside the spotlight.
You see, I’ve been on stage all my life. I’m a preacher’s kid, and I started playing piano in church when I was nine years old. That meant rehearsals all week and church all day Sunday! Church was my life. I could confidently share my testimony from a stage. But when it came to one-on-one witnessing, I felt timid and unqualified.
So, I prayed a simple prayer.
“Lord, will You give me more opportunities to share my faith, not just on the stage, but everywhere I go? To the post office, grocery store, doctor’s office, and airport. Wherever it is, help me share my love for You with contagious joy and confidence. If You open the door, will You give me the words?”
I believe God was just waiting for me to pray that prayer, because He started opening doors immediately.
Three Ways to Let Your Light Shine
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
These aren’t just beautiful red-letter words. They are a direct command from Jesus, and He gives them not to the elite, not just to pastors, ministry leaders, or evangelists, but to all of us.
I want to break this passage into three phrases that have shaped how I live my life and share my faith.
- “Let”
“Let” is an action verb. It means to allow, to yield, or to grant permission. Jesus is telling you to give Him something to work with, submit your life to Him, and yield to Him.
This command doesn’t come with qualifiers. There are no conditions to the Great Commission. It’s not about having a title or degree. Jesus is saying to show up. Evangelism isn’t passive; it’s active. It starts with the word go. “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).
You don’t need a platform. You need a willing heart and obedient spirit.
- “Your Light”
The Bible assumes you not only have a light, but you are a light. Let your light shine. Let your life shine. Every part of your life matters—your work, your words, and your witness. It’s all ministry.
I use the acronym T-R-A-C-E-D to describe how we can share our faith:
- Testimony
- Relationships
- Apologetics
- Conversations
- Engaging others
- Direct approach
One of the greatest tools I’ve found is kindness—that deep, Spirit-empowered kindness that meets others with love, compassion, and generosity and expects nothing in return.
I saw it in a department store one day. I walked in behind a woman who was dressed to the nines—head-to-toe fall fashion—hat with a feather, sunglasses, matching shoes. Stunning.
I said, “Excuse me, my dear friend, but can I just tell you how beautiful you look?” She put her hand on her hip and walked down the center aisle. I picked up my imaginary camera and said, “Work it, girl. The camera loves you!” We were laughing like old friends.
That compliment led to a conversation. She told me her husband had recently passed, and that no one had complimented her since he died. That moment, that simple kindness, turned into prayer. She let me pray with her, and we hugged like we’d known each other forever.
You don’t know what people are carrying, but Jesus does, and He wants to use you to reach them.
- “So Shine”
Let your light shine to such an extent, to the fullest degree, extremely, beyond any doubt. That’s what the word “so” means in this passage.
We have a tendency to think full-time ministry is for people who work at a church, but if you’re a believer, you’re in full-time ministry. Period.
I have a friend who writes handwritten cards to people in prison. That’s her ministry. Another friend teaches Bible study at the county jail. One blesses her restaurant servers with prayer and a generous tip. One wears her John 3:16 shirt and pauses in the grocery store aisle to engage anyone who reads it. One gentleman cleans breakfast tables at a local hotel once a week and shines his light through service and kindness.
These are everyday people living out an extraordinary calling.
Every time I share my faith, three things always happen:
- I find the joy.
- They find the blessing.
- God gets the glory.
Sisters, that’s what it means to let your light so shine. Shine your light. When you do, someone’s eternity might just change. That’s the power of the gospel lived out through you.
Adapted from a session of the National Women’s Evangelism Conference, March 2025. Find more resources for women’s evangelism at nambevangelism.com/women.