Intimidating Shackles

Many Christians in the church today have found themselves bound by intimidation. When the word 'intimidation' is used, what comes to your mind?

Intimidation means simply to make timid; to fill with fear and to force into, or deter from some action by inducing fear. This stems from the inability of us knowing and harnessing the God given authority that He has bestowed upon us, and overcoming situations in our lives that we seem to have greater respect for, rather than the God within us. He is more than able to deliver us from them. (2 Timothy 1:7 (King James Version) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.)

We're often shackled and chained to people, situations and the worst of circumstances. These circumstances may be over controlling bosses, pastors that 'milk' a congregation and have them solely dependant upon what they say, wives or husbands that see their existence on planet earth as incomplete without a spouse, knowing fully well that the relationship is unhealthy, and the list of examples go on and on.

It may not only come in the realm of fear but from us wanting to 'please' individuals or a group of persons. This leaves room for compromised decision making. Many leaders fall into this category. Pastors, political leaders, even parents who think about 'being liked' more than doing what is right in the sight of our Lord.

I have lived to see many persons fall into the same scheme over and over because they have allowed the situation or person dictate them rather than rely on the Word of God. That by no means makes me perfect, but goes to show how we succumb to things that are mere to the dominion that God wants us to walk in.

Through my life experiences, at times I too find myself in difficult positions whereby some things will want to speak to me and make me feel insignificant. These situations tend to be boisterous and nerve-racking but we need to know how to speak to it and say ‘Peace be still’.

Today more than ever the church has become intimidated by many things unfortunately. Persons that I speak to at times let the circumstance get them discouraged and accept it saying ‘Que sera, sera...’ There must be a want to change. To become bold once more; to delve into God’s word, to hide it in our hearts and command change. Fear can no longer rule us. Fear can be crippling to dreams, visions, destinies and many purposes that God wills for us to accomplish.

I challenge us all, what can we break today? What link can you pin point in your life that you can work upon and say I’m going bend you and begin the freeing process? What can you stand up to and say no longer will I allow you to take charge in my life? Speak to it, command it to be under your feet and be liberated from its restraints.

Written by :

Esther James

 

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