Can I Trust God When I Feel Intimidated?
Have you ever felt truly intimidated?
The motion that you are up against something much bigger than yourself is enough to leave you feeling hopeless, scared, and, in my case, quite literally shaking in my boots.
When I was a freshman in college, a couple of years before I lost my sight, I was a member of my school’s equestrian team.
At the end of that first season, to my amazement, I qualified for the biggest competition of the year…nationals. I had ridden horses since I was very young, but I had never competed at such a high level.
When I first arrived at the huge arena and saw all of the talent and athleticism around me, I’ll admit, I felt out of my element, overwhelmed, and scared. Sure, I had earned my spot there just like the rest of the riders, but the irrational intimidation that I felt made me feel as though I was destined for failure.
Sara Claudia from the side jumping on a large, brown horse during a show.
Have you ever faced a time when you felt immense fear in the face of something that felt so much bigger, stronger, and more powerful than you?
You know, one of those experiences that made you want to retreat back across the battle lines as you wonder, “What in the world have I gotten myself into?”
It could be as simple as a daunting project you offered to take on at home or at work.
Or it could be as unfamiliar and extreme as a mission trip abroad that God is calling you to take.
In 2 Samuel 10, we can read about a group of people who also felt overwhelmed, unprepared, and outnumbered.
During the reign of King David, the Israelites were faced with an impending attack by their enemies. As David’s men prepared for battle, the Ammonitess, along with some hired allies, surrounded them on all sides, putting them in a pretty tough situation.
“When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men, and the men of Tob, 12,000 men. And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.”
(2 Samuel 10:6-8, ESV)
David’s men knew that they were facing strong enemies and that the situation they had found themselves in was not a promising one. They had been outmaneuvered and surrounded.
Fear in the face of a daunting situation can make us feel surrounded as well..like we have no way out, no way to escape, and no hope of achieving the outcome we desire.
Thankfully, though, we can learn a valuable lesson about how to face intimidation from David’s men.
The sun setting over a foggy green pasture. Text that says, “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to Him.” - 2 Samuel 10:12
As Joab prepared the men for battle, he gave them this message:
“Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to Him.”
(2 Samuel 10:12, ESV)
Instead of retreating to their fear, they recognized that they had the strongest, most powerful, and tactful God on their side. Joab encouraged the men to draw on God and His strength and to trust His judgment.
They recognized that the outcome, no matter how much they had prepared, was ultimately in God’s capable hands.
In the end, God was with David’s men, and their enemies fled from them.
“So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they lifewise fled before Abishaiand entered the city.”
(2 Samuel 10:13-14, ESV)
Admitting that we do not control the situation we are in can be scary, especially when we feel like we do not have a chance.
However, when we remember who is in control, we can feel comfort, courage, and strength. Because God is always on our side, and He is more powerful than any intimidator we may face.
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