Text:
1 Samuel 17:4-11
Memory Verse:
“Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me” (1 Samuel 17:8).
Intimidation is to make timid; fill with fear; to coerce or deter with threats. In sporting competitions, it is customary for opponents to size each other up. The description of Goliath, as a champion and his appearance must have been intimidating enough for his opponents without him bellowing threats to them!
There are many other intimidating situations recorded in the scriptures such as King Saul going after David with 3000 men. A king going after one man with so many soldiers (1 Samuel 24:2)! Saul going after believers in Jesus Christ, armed with letters of arrest from the Chief Priests must have been intimidating too. The news would have sent believers scampering for safety. Little wonder
Ananias was not excited about going to his aid (Acts 9: 1&2,13). The devil also intimidates people making their problems seem way bigger or worse than they really are. Intimidating thoughts can incapacitate you because they make you nervous and unable to focus or think clearly. You must be able to find refuge in someone greater than yourself. God said to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). Moses was embarking on a long journey, leading an intimidating number of over 600,000 people. He needed help!
Is the devil trying to intimidate you? Let God be your refuge and strength. This was how David overcame Goliath. Your defence should be in the unseen armies of God and as long as you are His child, no one or problem can intimidate you.
Prayer Points:
1. Thank You, Lord, for being my refuge and strength.
2. Thank You for always being a very present help in trouble.
