Free At LastSample

Are You Intimidated?

One of the greatest threats to freedom is the fear of man. The Bible says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Do you try to gain people’s approval? Are you afraid of being rejected, ridiculed, or hated for being the real you? 

I’ll never forget the day God spoke to my mind: “Paul, you have been dominated by the fear of rejection.” I was sitting with my wife, enjoying our Sunday pizza gathering after church, when this thought came to my mind. I remember the tears that started running onto my slice of pizza.

My wife asked me what was wrong, and I had to tell her the truth: I was crippled by a fear of rejection. I had been teaching a book by Robert McGee titled Search for Significance. It listed the four primary emotions people struggle with:

1. Fear of failure
2. Fear of rejection 
3. Fear of punishment 
4. Shame

While teaching, the Holy Spirit spoke to my mind in a gentle yet piercing way.

Which emotions do you need to confront? Could it be that the Holy Spirit has an appointment with you today? I believe a spirit-filled life helps us be free, no longer held captive by any emotion. 

Galatians 5:1 speaks of this battle to gain people’s approval while burying God’s approval and directives. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

We are told to stand fast in liberty and not to be entangled by a yoke of bondage. Wow! That’s an incredible illustration. Will you commit to stand fast in liberty? Will you commit to first please the King of Kings, live in freedom, love all and be brave?

God made you unique. He made you a work of art. Just be the real you because there is no other like you. 

You are a miracle!