Intimidation, I think, is one of the greatest fears the human race faces. We’re not necessarily faced with it from others. We usually inflict it upon ourselves. We tell ourselves that we don’t measure up. If only we were like so and so. This is too hard, why bother? They don’t seem to like me. We can always find another log to throw on the fire to keep this endless cycle going. It’s not a very productive cycle, either. The enemy brings up your past failures. You remember the time you should have “blank”. The list goes on and on. It’s like watching a bad sports injury replay thinking maybe this time things will be different. Wrong! This trap the enemy sets for us is meant to push us into the background of life and just keep us quiet. That’s exactly what the devil would want but God has other ideas in mind! He’s put giftings on the inside of you that a starving world is waiting for. What if He took our insecurities about the world around us and made it our platform? What if our greatest weakness became a strong mouthpiece for the glory of God? Could it be? A resounding yes!

We face so many choice points on a daily basis. Do we step out and get involved or just let the moments pass? God uses the everyday issues of life to teach us our weaknesses and His strengths. He doesn’t want us to be intimidated by these weaknesses. They are a tool to let Him shine through you. Whenever you are operating through a weakness, you and others know it has to be Jesus! Whatever the case may be, for the child of God, you have help. You don’t just have any help, you have supernatural help. Jesus did not leave us to fend for ourselves and merely get by until He takes us to our heavenly home. He wants to use us for His own purposes. He only has imperfect people to work with. Speaking to His disciples, He said, “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬) This was not just a special promise for the original disciples. This promise is for us! He has literally put His Spirit on the inside of us to lead, guide and direct us. We need not be afraid of messing things up. This world is already messed up. He wants to show an unbelieving world that through Him, anything can be possible!

The Apostle Paul had prayed about a certain situation that was obviously causing him intimidation. This was the famous “thorn in the flesh”. The Lord basically showed Paul how this “weakness” was going to be a platform for Him and not a stumbling stone. “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT)‬‬ Wow! When we are weak, then we are strong! This is completely counterintuitive to what the world tells us. However, God does not operate by the world’s standards. He’s the One who created the world! He sets the standard. Because He literally dwells within us, our weakest spots that would normally take us out of the game are places people get to see Him shine through. If it weren’t for Him, failure would be the only option. But no! “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬) We have God’s very Spirit! Failure is not an option. He’s already secured the victory. So grab this victory with confidence in who we serve and continue moving by faith in spite of your weaknesses. 

God can disrupt laws of nature by miracles any time He chooses. He typically chooses to include the people He loves in these divine encounters. He used Moses when parting The Red Sea. He used the mouthpiece of Peter to command a lame man to walk. He used praise from Paul and Silas, in prison, to unshackle them and set them free. They were people just like us. What is He wanting you to do? What has He laid before you as an opportunity for Him to shine?  We can shrink back in intimidation or we can, empowered by His Spirit, go for it. Keep one thing in mind. He’s the greater One!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.