The dictionary says that intimidation is an act of forcing action by inducing fear. What intimidates you? Is it sickness, the fear of major loss, your boss, a teacher, a bully, or a neighbor?

The Bible does deal with this subject when it states, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (II Timothy 1:7) God has not given us a spirit of intimidation. In other words, intimidation is not from God.

I was in my teen years and hearing a military drill sergeant scream and yell profanities along with multiple threats in boot camp for the first of many times. I am not going to lie; it was intimidating, and it was purposefully meant to be. Fear was used as a weapon for personal change. We were leaving civilian life behind to enter into military life. 

In time, however, I discovered it was all a bit of a game. Intimidation was used excessively, but I can still recall the conversation that same drill sergeant had with us after successfully graduating from the torture of “becoming an airman.” He said, “Our training was all very calculated. We knew how far we could push you in order to create the soldier we were looking for.”

How far have you allowed the enemy of your soul to intimidate you? Has he said this sickness will kill you? Has he spoken that you’ll never reach your boss’s expectations? Has he used intimidation to keep you from fulfilling God’s purposes in your life? 

“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.” (Phillipians 1:28 NLT) 

Our confidence and our outspoken boldness is through the power of God who is not and will not be intimated by anyone or anything. Keep your head up and walk in His truth!