
The Ripple Effect of Obedience: How Women Like You Multiply Impact
If you’ve ever sat down at your desk or logged into a Zoom meeting and thought, “Does any of this even matter?”—you’re not alone.
As Christian women in the workplace, we often carry the weight of wanting to do more, reach further, impact deeper. But we’re also carrying deadlines, budgets, relationships, and responsibilities that make that “bigger impact” feel so far away.
The truth? You don’t have to have a massive platform, a flawless resume, or the perfect plan to make a lasting, world-changing difference.
Sometimes all God needs is one act of obedience. One woman who says yes. One ripple that multiplies.
The Lie: “I’m Not Big Enough to Make a Difference”
This lie has deep roots. Culture measures impact by followers and funders. But God? He measures impact by faithfulness.
And time and again, Scripture shows us that He loves using seemingly ordinary women to change the course of history.
Let’s look at two such women whose acts of courage and obedience created a multiplying impact that still echoes today.
Deborah: The Woman Who Led When No One Else Would
In Judges 4, we meet Deborah—a prophet, judge, and the only woman in the Bible recorded as holding the top civic leadership role in Israel. She wasn’t just leading behind the scenes. She was front and center.
When Barak, the commander of Israel’s army, hesitated to lead a battle against their oppressors, Deborah didn’t back down. She said, “Certainly I will go with you… but because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” (Judges 4:9)
She had no military training, no army of her own, and no earthly guarantee of success. But Deborah’s obedience opened the door for Israel’s victory.
Her leadership led to 40 years of peace in the land.
That’s the multiplying power of one faithful woman.
Esther: The Woman Who Spoke When Silence Was Safer
Then there’s Esther. An orphan. A Jewish woman. A queen by what seemed like chance.
Except it wasn’t chance. God placed her exactly where she needed to be. And when the moment came to risk everything to save her people, her uncle Mordecai challenged her with the now-famous line:
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Esther didn’t have the title of prophet or judge. She had beauty, yes, but she also had courage. And with one bold step into the king’s court, she changed the fate of an entire nation.
Her impact didn’t start with strategy. It started with obedience.
Modern Multipliers: What Today’s Christian Women Say About Impact
So what does this look like now? What does modern obedience look like when you work a full-time job, raise kids, serve your church, and still try to remember to drink enough water?
Here are a few consistent truths we found from Christian women in the workplace who are learning to multiply their impact one decision at a time:
1. Small Actions Matter More Than You Think
In a 2022 Barna study, 76% of Christian women surveyed said they believe they are “called to make a difference in the world,” but more than half struggle with knowing how.
Author and pastor Bianca Olthoff says, “You don’t need a stage to make an impact. You need a willingness to serve in obscurity, to speak truth in love, and to show up when it would be easier to scroll past.”
2. God Multiplies What We Surrender
Leadership coach Jo Saxton writes, “God has a habit of multiplying the resources and impact of women who offer Him whatever they have—even when it feels like it’s not enough.”
It’s not about having more time or more talent. It’s about trusting God with what you do have and letting Him do the multiplying.
3. Impact Isn’t Always Loud
Sometimes your ripple effect will be public. But more often, it’ll be private.
A coworker who feels seen. A child who knows they’re loved. A mentor relationship that shifts the trajectory of someone’s life.
Impact isn’t about noise. It’s about presence.
How 4word Is Multiplying Women’s Impact Around the World
At 4word, we believe in the ripple effect of one faithful woman.
- One woman joins a Community Group and gains confidence to bring her faith into meetings.
 - One woman signs up for our Mentor Program and receives wisdom that shapes her career for decades.
 - One woman attends a Collaboratory and launches a new initiative at her company that changes workplace culture.
 
This is what multiplying impact looks like.
And during our Year-End Giving campaign, we’re inviting you to be part of it.
Your one donation can help fuel hundreds of ripple effects around the world. One mentor. One group. One woman who starts to believe she is called to more.
Because she is. And so are you.
4 Ways to Multiply Your Impact Starting Today
You don’t have to wait for a title or a life-altering moment. Here’s how you can start stepping into your multiplying impact right where you are:
1. Pray Boldly
Ask God to open your eyes to the influence you already have. Pray for courage like Esther, clarity like Deborah, and conviction like Jesus.
2. Say Yes to the Small Thing
Obedience is rarely glamorous. But when you say yes to helping, showing up, or speaking truth—even when it’s hard or unnoticed—God sees it. And He multiplies it.
3. Invest in Other Women
Mentor a younger coworker. Share wisdom with a friend. Offer encouragement in your group text. Empowered women empower women.
4. Support Organizations That Multiply Impact
Whether it’s giving to 4word or volunteering your time, be part of something bigger than yourself.
Your generosity creates space for other women to rise. And when they rise, the ripple continues.
The World Doesn’t Need You to Be Perfect. It Needs You to Be Willing.
One step of obedience. One act of courage. One woman who says yes.
That’s all it takes to start a ripple that changes everything.
Just like Deborah. Just like Esther. Just like you.

Help us continue to make an impact on Christian women in the workplace that lasts. Give now through December 31, 2025, and watch your donation multiply its impact not just in your community—but around the world!

Since 2013, Jordan has helped 4word tell its story and live out its mission through 4word’s digital content. She is the host of 4word’s podcasts, Work, Love, Pray and Driven 4word. Jordan also writes and coordinates the weekly 4word blogs and emails, and oversees the social media team.
When not writing for 4word, Jordan enjoys working on her latest book idea, catching up on the latest episode of Supernatural, and going “Pin crazy” on Pinterest as she and her family dream about homestead living. Jordan holds a BS in Advertising and Public Relations from Liberty University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. She lives in Monroe, Georgia, with her husband, DJ, and their young children.