Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Tim. 1:6-7
Doris experienced a feeling of intimidation as she was about to vocalize her thoughts in response to a question asked during a women’s meeting at her church. This fear paralyzed her, kept her silent, and made her anxious. She just shook her head no and sensed relief when the coordinator went to the next person. The defeat and discouragement she went through afterwards prolonged her ordeal, and she sought the Lord for freedom until she finally experienced it.
We don’t always recognize intimidation quickly enough to stand against it. As we notice it, we must quickly resist it by turning our focus to the Lord and submit to His ability. The moment we do that, we come against its effects.
When the Holy Spirit leads us, we can trust He will empower us. The Spirit of fear does not come from God. The Spirit that comes from Him is power, love, and a sound mind. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. We do not have a spirit of fear… and we never have to receive one. We overcome intimidation and move with holy boldness, from glory to glory!