i will not be intimidated...

are you a person that is always afraid? i mean you are always looking from the standpoint of expecting the worse. you knew these problems in the world were going to come because you have been telling everyone that everything is going to turn out bad. you say, just because it’s a beautiful day today just wait until tomorrow. you go to bed afraid, you wake up afraid, you live the whole day afraid, expecting the worst to happen. and some of you are CHRISTians.

listen, i could live that way because my view of life is my choice. and i choose to live with a positive outlook. i am not going to be intimidated by life, by the fact that bad things happen to good people, by the fact that satan is alive and well, that life is tough, and that i don’t know what is in my future. i am not going to be intimidated by life. i will not be afraid.

now does that mean that only good things happen to me. no it just means that when and if they happen i believe that with GOD’s help i can handle them. my faith in GOD and my faith in myself is strong. i have survived and i will survive because of WHO is on my side.

romans 8.31-36 (ms), so, what do you think? with GOD on our side like this, how can we lose? if GOD didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing HIMself to the worst by sending HIS own SON, is there anything else HE wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? and who would dare tangle with GOD by messing with one of GOD's chosen? who would dare even to point a finger? the ONE who died for us—WHO was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of GOD at this very moment sticking up for us. do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and CHRIST's love for us? there is no way! not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in scripture.

So why in the world should i as a follower of CHRIST be intimidated by anything or anyone? verse 31 (niv), what, then shall we say in response to this? if GOD is for us, who can be against us? HE says, i will protect you. HE's saying, one plus GOD equals a majority. it doesn't matter who's against you if GOD's on your side.

have you discovered the wonderful truth, yet, that GOD not only knows you but GOD is for you? HE's not trying to trip you up. HE's not trying to make your life miserable. HE's not trying to make your life a mess. HE is for you! HE wants you to make it. HE wants you to succeed. GOD is for you! that's good news!

i think CHRISTians of all people ought to be the most confident people in the world. if GOD's for me, who can be against me?

fear is a devastating emotion and psychologists have analyzed 645 different kinds of fears. what do you fear most? some of you fear failure. some of you fear the future. maybe you fear dying. maybe you fear rejection. maybe you fear criticism.

hebrews 13.5&6 (ms) says, don't be obsessed with getting more material things. be relaxed with what you have. since GOD assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, GOD is there, ready to help; i'm fearless no matter what. who or what can get to me?

romans 8:37 (niv), knowing all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM who loved us. "more than conquerors" literally in greek is "super conquerors". GOD makes us super conquerors. in life, you will be a victor or a victim. you will be swallowed up by your circumstances or you will overcome your circumstances. you will be overwhelmed by your problems or you will overcome your problems.

listen, i don’t have to fear anything. i keep my eye on the LORD. you are not a victim. you can be a victor.

my question is: what have you been telling yourself that you could never do? whatever it is that you're telling yourself that you could never do, stop it! philippians 4:13 (niv), i can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. that's what you call a life without intimidation. you're not blown away by the circumstances. and you're not blown away by the problems. you've got the confidence that comes from GOD.

so get off my front porch and go make a difference today because you will not be intimidated…