How to Defeat Intimidation

When people think of temptation, they immediately think about falling into sin. However, what if I mentioned that the greatest temptation that I believe younger people face is actually intimidation?

The enemy will try many things to stop your calling: trauma, temptations, and distractions. If none of those work, he will attempt to intimidate you. Questions like, “What will people think? Will I lose friends?” creep in. But if you want to fulfill God’s call on your life, you must overcome intimidation. We see this demonstrated in the life of David (1 Samuel 17).

Steps to Overcome Intimidation

1. If You’re Too Big for the Cheese, You’re Too Small for the Giant

Before overcoming intimidation, you must first take care of the small things. In the Bible, we see that David was faithful in little tasks given to him by authority, which paved the way for God to entrust him with greater things (1 Sam 17:17-18). If you are too big to bring cheese to someone, you’re too small to slay giants.

2. Not Every Battle is Worth Fighting

Another thing that David shows us is that not every battle is worth fighting. Before slaying Goliath, he asked, “What will I get?” because not every battle brings victory (1 Samuel 17:26). Some battles are distractions from God’s calling.

When there’s conflict, choose to walk away rather than engage in pointless arguments.

3. To Walk in Authority, You Must Live Under Authority

David didn’t rush into battle; he sought permission from King Saul (1 Samuel 17:32). Walking in authority requires living under authority. Respect your parents, honor your teachers, and those in positions of authority. Being under authority protects you from foolishness. David’s respect for Saul shows us that real power comes from humility, not rebellion.

4. Borrow Faith from Yesterday’s Victories to Fuel Today’s Battles

Another thing that we see from the story of David is that he remembered his past victories over lions and bears to find faith to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Sometimes God won’t give new instructions, so we must draw from what He’s already done. In these times, choose to focus on God’s past faithfulness to grow your faith.

5. Better to Be Rejected for Who You Are Than Accepted for Who You’re Not

Next, it’s important to remember that along the way people will try to mold you into their image. During these times, don’t lose your identity for acceptance (1 Samuel 17:39). God created you exactly as you are and will use you as you are.

6. If the Enemy Can’t Magnify Himself, He’ll Minimize You

If the enemy can’t make himself appear big, he’ll try to make you feel small. Goliath mocked David, but David kept his focus on God’s greatness (1 Samuel 17:43-45). Remember, God can use the smallest and weakest to achieve His purpose. You are mighty in Him, regardless of what others say.

Read: Beating the Enemy’s Mind Games