Stop Hiding—Shine Boldly

Have you ever been in a moment where it felt like darkness was winning? Maybe it was an impossible situation or a time when someone close to you struggled, and you felt utterly unqualified to help. In these very moments, we’re called to shine—to release the light God has already placed within us. His light brings revelation, comfort, wisdom, and healing. Yet, how often do we hide that light? How often do we shrink back, convinced we’re not enough?

Jesus said in Matthew 5:15-16 (KJV),
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

That revelation hit me like a lightning bolt. Jesus never said, “Hide your light until you’re qualified” or “Wait until you feel spiritual enough.” No—He said, “Let your light shine.” You’re already equipped. The light is already there! The real struggle? We often measure our worthiness and, in doing so, we hide the very light God intended for us to shine.

The Bushel of Self-Doubt

A bushel, simply put, is a measuring container. And isn’t that exactly what we do? We measure ourselves—our knowledge, faith, our ability to pray or encourage—and when we don’t measure up to our impossible standards, we cover up the light God has placed within us.

But here’s the truth:
God never asked you to measure your ability.
He only asked you to shine.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hesitated. Should I pray for this person? What if I don’t have the right words? Am I spiritual enough?

In those moments, I let fear and self-doubt smother the Holy Spirit’s light inside me. And yet, even the slightest flicker of light can shatter the deepest darkness!

Light Always Wins

Light is powerful. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. A single candle can brighten an entire room.
That means the simple encouragement you offer, the prayer you whisper, the truth you share—it matters.
Darkness can never extinguish even the smallest light.

John 1:5 (KJV) says,
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Darkness cannot overcome the light. Now, imagine what happens when you allow the full brilliance of the Holy Spirit to shine through you!

Just Be the Light

Stop worrying about how much light you think you have. Walk boldly in the light God has given you—without fear, without second-guessing, without measuring yourself against anyone else.
Jesus gave us a simple priority: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 KJV)

Choose to shine in every situation—whether in your own life or someone else’s.
Don’t hide behind self-doubt.
Don’t let fear talk you out of taking action.
Just be the light.
And trust that God will take care of the rest.

Let your light shine—not because you feel qualified but because God has already placed His light inside you. The world desperately needs that light.
Someone around you needs your light.
Right now.

Don’t hide it.
Let it shine.

Written by Brahm van Wyk

For more Biblical teachings, listen to Bible Perspective or read our daily devotional, The Word for Today.

The views expressed herein are those of the presenters and writers, not Radio Pulpit.