Feeling Intimidated?

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." -2nd Timothy 1:7

People respond in different ways when they're intimidated. Some look for easy escape—thinking that running away is the best option. Others employ the strategy of counterattack. Their best defense is offense. And others flare up with an outburst of negative emotions. They use strong words and body language to display their displeasure. So, which is the best response to pressure—running, fighting, or reacting?
Timothy was under intense intimidation as a young pastor of a church. People were opposing his ministry. It must have been difficult for him to respond in the right way to those individuals. In Paul's letter to Timothy, he told him how to utilize the God-given "spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).
First, Timothy did not have to run, because God had given him "a spirit of power." There was no situation in which God had put him that He hadn't also given him the ability to persevere. No matter how difficult the problems and people were, there was always a way of facing them with God's perspective. Moving away from a difficulty for a while may be useful, but it ought to be revisited and resolved.
Second, Timothy didn't need to fight, because God had given him "a spirit of love." There is often this tendency to fight and hurt the person who first hurts us. Timothy, however, understood God's love, and sought the good of others. It would be difficult, but not impossible.
Last, Timothy didn't have to react negatively, because God had given him "a spirit of self-discipline." A disciplined life and a sound mind will keep one from sudden ungodly outbursts of emotion. Instead, a person who possesses them will exhibit good judgment—even under extreme pressure.
Let's learn to exhibit courage, express love, and exercise good judgment when we are intimidated—that's God's way to handle it. —Lim Chien Chong

bottom line: Intimidation shows the cracks in our character.

-such a good devo, eh? =D