Feeling Intimidated.

It is so easy to walk into a room and start to feel insecure because you are intimidated by others present. You may think they are smarter, prettier, or more talented than you. Immediately this sense of intimidation begins to eat away at your level of self-esteem and self-worth, and it can be challenging to get back on your feet.In my personal experience, I know I constantly struggle with low self-esteem, and I think in some respects it is related to the fact I am easily intimidated. Being a musician, I am always quick to point out my own flaws and mistakes after a performance instead of seeing all the aspects of the music I played well. Everyday in music class, I am surrounded by immensely talented individuals, and when faced with a difficult piece of music, it is extremely easy for me to feel intimidated by how expertly my peers can play their instruments.I am passionate about music - it is something I love to do - but occasionally it can be hard for me to find the will to put in effort into the music because I feel that I am under the shadow of whoever I think is better than me. I start to feel inferior. I can never be as good as them, so why should I even try?Well, the answer to that question is simple if you think about it. God made you "fearfully and wonderfully" (Psalms 139:14) and you are no accident. Each and every one of us is on this Earth for a purpose and we were given unique gifts to achieve whatever that purpose may be.  In order to overcome intimidation, first you must realize that you are beloved in God's sight.

"You are precious and honored in my sight" Isiah 43:4

We also need to recognize that intimidation is an attribute of this world and not of our freedom in Christ. Intimidation only becomes apparent in our lives when we start to fear man instead of fearing God. Being fearful of man leads us to create certain perceptions of others that can either cause us to feel the need to 'beat' the other person - which is pride - or cause us to feel small in comparison to them. Both of these situations ultimately result in the inner turmoil of  dealing with intimidation.

There really isn't a 'quick fix' for overcoming intimidation - it is just a fight we will have to deal with for the rest of our lives. But we aren't in that fight alone! God has provided us with the most important tool - His word. Immersing yourself in the Bible and realizing how much God loves you will help give you confidence to go out and live the life He meant for you to live. We should only listen to who the Bible says we are in Christ and not hold ourselves up against those around us.

There is no need to feel intimidated by others because you can decide to not let comparison control you anymore. Let Jesus and his victory flourish inside you and no longer fear man.

"Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life"

Jordan Kauflin

words by Grace Butler and photo by Cate Willis