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Breaking Intimidation: Say "No" Without Feeling Guilty. Be Secure Without the Approval of Man
Countless Christians battle intimidation, which is camouflaged and subtle. Many feel the effects--depression, confusion, lack of faith--without knowing its root. Bevere guides readers below the surface to see the roots of intimidation. Readers will understand why it is hard to say no, why the fear confrontation and avoid conflict, and why they focus on pleasing others. Readers will learn to identify intimidation and know how to break its hold. Bevere explains how the fear of God keeps us from a life of ungodliness and produces confidence and boldness. Bevere advises, "Walk in your own God-given authority, or someone else will take it from you and use it against you."
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
263 people are currently reading
1356 people want to read
About the author
John Bevere
154 books924 followersMarked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 26, 2012
Yeah, I felt a bit “intimidated” to write this review. Good writers should be honoured but I don’t think that this simple review will summarize the great work of this author. John Bevere is releasing many from the claws of intimidation through this masterpiece. I remember having seen John at Hillsong Church London describing the first part of this book.
As Bevere is a pastor, he was invited to preach in a certain Church some time ago when, in the service, he was used to publically say to the choir that there was sin among them. At first, you may think that this was a bit hard from John and of course the members of the choir got very sad and started complaining about him to the pastor from that church. John got intimidated by them and didn’t feel the anointing during the sermon on the following day.
Having set the scenario, John starts explaining how intimidation paralyzed the power of God that was on him during this event and he teaches how to identify the roots of fear to tackle them.
First of all, he says that we should understand that we have to position ourselves in our authority. John was the pastor in charge on that day and, yes, there really was sin among them. God was using him to heal those people and if he had kept quiet, things would’ve got worse. If you don’t remain in your authority, your authority will be taken away from you and will be used against you.
Therefore, he believes that the initial step to break intimidation is to deal with the issue in your own heart. He prayed to God and asked Him what to do and the Lord gave him the wisdom he needed. So, he dealt with this issue by approaching the members of the church during the service.
Thus, he confronted this matter and some of the ones who belonged to the choir repented and restored their relationship with God while others ended up leaving that church. However, it was necessary for John to have the courage to face them and stand firm in the word that God had given him. He thinks that many people have a pure heart before God but, like Timothy from the Bible, are kept captive because are afraid of confrontation.
Do you remember what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy on 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Bible? Let’s take a look:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (NIV)
Timidity or fear, depending on the version of the Bible that you are reading, has as its objective to prevent you from acting or coerce/compel you to submit to it. “Intimidation wants to subdue you with a feeling of inferiority or fear. When you withdraw/recoil and subdue to this feeling, consciously or unconsciously, you become a slave of the intimidator. You are not free to do what God’s will is, but you are condemned to the desires of the intimidator that has captured you”.
In addition, if God did not give us a spirit of timidity, where did this spirit come from? If a spirit does not come from God, then it comes from the devil. Have you ever stopped to think of this? “And because it is a spirit, intimidation cannot be fought against in the level of our intellect or will. Having a positive mental attitude won’t stop intimidation. Spiritual resistance requires spiritual assistance.” John attracts our attention to the fact that there are many intelligent and physically strong people but having lots of difficulties with intimidation – usually afraid of someone or something weaker in the body and mind than they are. Hence, intimidation has to be treated in the level of the spirit.
And what are the symptoms of intimidation? John outlines 3 of them: confusion, discouragement (or dismay) and frustration. The result is that you will lose the correct perspective and everything will seem difficult or even impossible. The stronger the intimidation, the more powerful the discouragement and lack of hope you will have. This was exactly what John felt after hearing those from the choir complaining about him.
John states that the fear and intimidation increase when we place our focus on ourselves. We think: “What about me? What will happen to me?” Imagine his situation. He was probably afraid of those people from the choir and thinking: the attendants of this church will not like me, they will think I’m being too hard”. But when we know that we are doing God’s will, we know that we are dead to ourselves and He takes care of us. Consequently, nothing will bring fear to us, because dead people feel nothing, they are without feelings.
Yet, Bevere doesn’t stop there. He complements that the person who is intimidated honours what he fears more than God our Lord. For instance, the prophet Eli in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 was honouring more his sons than God. How? The verse 29 says:
“… Why do you honour your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by My people Israel?”
Eli esteemed more his sons that were doing what it was wrong than God. Eli’s future was to die with a broken neck by falling off his chair after hearing that his two sons were dead, as a result of their sins. That’s the reason why, according to John, some pastors prepare a message very carefully, because they are afraid of offending or confronting those that are in disobedience. There is a huge problem when the fear of men is stronger than the fear of God.
The Bible says that the cowards will not inherit Heaven. Look at Revelation 21:8:
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur…”
John declares that we shall have our focus on Jesus and stand firm in His presence so that we conquer intimidation. In accordance with the Bible, Jesus has given us authority:
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”. (Luke 10:19)
And if a spirit of intimidation crosses your way, you have to “explode” it with the Bible and keep on seeking Jesus. But this spirit will not be overcome if we ignore it, it will happen totally the opposite. What we do not confront will not change, if we ignore it, it will become stronger.
To sum up, be firm in Jesus, in the authority He has given you, do not ignore the intimidation but confront it, detonating it with the Word of God.
Larissa Fauber
As Bevere is a pastor, he was invited to preach in a certain Church some time ago when, in the service, he was used to publically say to the choir that there was sin among them. At first, you may think that this was a bit hard from John and of course the members of the choir got very sad and started complaining about him to the pastor from that church. John got intimidated by them and didn’t feel the anointing during the sermon on the following day.
Having set the scenario, John starts explaining how intimidation paralyzed the power of God that was on him during this event and he teaches how to identify the roots of fear to tackle them.
First of all, he says that we should understand that we have to position ourselves in our authority. John was the pastor in charge on that day and, yes, there really was sin among them. God was using him to heal those people and if he had kept quiet, things would’ve got worse. If you don’t remain in your authority, your authority will be taken away from you and will be used against you.
Therefore, he believes that the initial step to break intimidation is to deal with the issue in your own heart. He prayed to God and asked Him what to do and the Lord gave him the wisdom he needed. So, he dealt with this issue by approaching the members of the church during the service.
Thus, he confronted this matter and some of the ones who belonged to the choir repented and restored their relationship with God while others ended up leaving that church. However, it was necessary for John to have the courage to face them and stand firm in the word that God had given him. He thinks that many people have a pure heart before God but, like Timothy from the Bible, are kept captive because are afraid of confrontation.
Do you remember what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy on 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Bible? Let’s take a look:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (NIV)
Timidity or fear, depending on the version of the Bible that you are reading, has as its objective to prevent you from acting or coerce/compel you to submit to it. “Intimidation wants to subdue you with a feeling of inferiority or fear. When you withdraw/recoil and subdue to this feeling, consciously or unconsciously, you become a slave of the intimidator. You are not free to do what God’s will is, but you are condemned to the desires of the intimidator that has captured you”.
In addition, if God did not give us a spirit of timidity, where did this spirit come from? If a spirit does not come from God, then it comes from the devil. Have you ever stopped to think of this? “And because it is a spirit, intimidation cannot be fought against in the level of our intellect or will. Having a positive mental attitude won’t stop intimidation. Spiritual resistance requires spiritual assistance.” John attracts our attention to the fact that there are many intelligent and physically strong people but having lots of difficulties with intimidation – usually afraid of someone or something weaker in the body and mind than they are. Hence, intimidation has to be treated in the level of the spirit.
And what are the symptoms of intimidation? John outlines 3 of them: confusion, discouragement (or dismay) and frustration. The result is that you will lose the correct perspective and everything will seem difficult or even impossible. The stronger the intimidation, the more powerful the discouragement and lack of hope you will have. This was exactly what John felt after hearing those from the choir complaining about him.
John states that the fear and intimidation increase when we place our focus on ourselves. We think: “What about me? What will happen to me?” Imagine his situation. He was probably afraid of those people from the choir and thinking: the attendants of this church will not like me, they will think I’m being too hard”. But when we know that we are doing God’s will, we know that we are dead to ourselves and He takes care of us. Consequently, nothing will bring fear to us, because dead people feel nothing, they are without feelings.
Yet, Bevere doesn’t stop there. He complements that the person who is intimidated honours what he fears more than God our Lord. For instance, the prophet Eli in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 was honouring more his sons than God. How? The verse 29 says:
“… Why do you honour your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by My people Israel?”
Eli esteemed more his sons that were doing what it was wrong than God. Eli’s future was to die with a broken neck by falling off his chair after hearing that his two sons were dead, as a result of their sins. That’s the reason why, according to John, some pastors prepare a message very carefully, because they are afraid of offending or confronting those that are in disobedience. There is a huge problem when the fear of men is stronger than the fear of God.
The Bible says that the cowards will not inherit Heaven. Look at Revelation 21:8:
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur…”
John declares that we shall have our focus on Jesus and stand firm in His presence so that we conquer intimidation. In accordance with the Bible, Jesus has given us authority:
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”. (Luke 10:19)
And if a spirit of intimidation crosses your way, you have to “explode” it with the Bible and keep on seeking Jesus. But this spirit will not be overcome if we ignore it, it will happen totally the opposite. What we do not confront will not change, if we ignore it, it will become stronger.
To sum up, be firm in Jesus, in the authority He has given you, do not ignore the intimidation but confront it, detonating it with the Word of God.
Larissa Fauber
April 19, 2012
Page 129 reads..."You will only serve and obey whom you fear! If you fear man, you will serve him. If you fear God, you will serve Him. You cannot fear God if you fear man because you cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). On the other hand, you will not be afraid of man if you fear God!"
The book addresses the various attitudes/mindsets that even as a believer/born-again can have under the bondage of fear. It detailed the root of what intimidates us and gave insightful scriptural references to highlight God's truth that will empower us to live a life free from fear. The book certainly gave me a new understanding to Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
The book addresses the various attitudes/mindsets that even as a believer/born-again can have under the bondage of fear. It detailed the root of what intimidates us and gave insightful scriptural references to highlight God's truth that will empower us to live a life free from fear. The book certainly gave me a new understanding to Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
July 2, 2025
Good, Biblical look at fear and intimidation and how to deal with it from a place of your authority in Christ. I appreciate John Bevere and his longevity in ministry. This is an older book of his but still worthwhile.
May 7, 2020
I saw the title of this book and was intrigued. Then I read the back cover and felt as if he had written it just for me. In my opinion, this has been one of the most influential and life changing books I have read recently other than the Bible itself. John Bevere gives a thorough overview of the reason people like myself are easily intimidated: Fear of man and a love of self. Zeroing in on what causes me to be intimated and using the Word of God to expose the enemies' lies was so helpful and life changing. Thank you to John Bevere for following the leading of the Lord to write such a helpful and needed book for believers in this day and age!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2021
Mnoho kresťanov sú ticho ak sa riešia dôležité otázky. Sú zastrašní, boja sa posmievačov a hnevu neveriacich. Táto kniha pomáha pochopiť ako to odovzdať Bohu a nechať hovoriť Boha. Ako zvíťaziť nad strachom a stáť si za pravdou našej viery.
March 20, 2014
This book was a great help to me in getting over "people". I read this book when I began chasing God so so hard in my walk with him and realized that I need some things broken in me. I can across this book and first had to admit that people intimidated me. I needed to break that yoke of intimidation and a feeling of not being worthy of much of nothing.
On page 74 of this book is a section titled "The Church of the Living Dead"...now aren't you curious! The subtitle on the cover is "How to overcome fear and release the gifts of God in your life" Definitely worth the read!
On page 74 of this book is a section titled "The Church of the Living Dead"...now aren't you curious! The subtitle on the cover is "How to overcome fear and release the gifts of God in your life" Definitely worth the read!
May 15, 2013
Such an inspiring uplift book. He hits our fears in the head and teaches how to take our rightful place of authority. The body of Christ has needed this for many years we had it in Gods word but we just had not been able to wrap our arms around the truth we were to busy hugged up to fears and lies of the devil. I am set free and believing many to receive from these writings inspired but the Holy Spirit.
August 21, 2008
As I have been reading this book, I find myself going back over each chapter. Not because I don't understand it. It is very well written. But because there are so many profound points... I want to make sure that I take it all in. This not only explains intimidation and the root of it, but it also gives direction in obtaining freedom from it.
August 2, 2010
This book will change the way that you view intimidation from others. I feel a new boldness in my life because of the revelations that God has given this man in the form of this book.
August 9, 2023
A very encouraging message about speaking God's word and truth in the face of opposition. Intimidation is defined as a snare or trap rooted in fear (PG.5, 146). The book gives examples of the many ways people can try to stop someone from speaking God's truth or using their gifts or allowing God to work through them. From criticism to mocking you, from firing you to asking you to compromise or tone down your message to placate others, Bevere discusses real situations and how he handled them. This book is loaded with scriptures to help someone focus on God, not fear people including Proverbs 14:26 on how fearing the Lord gives us confidence.
Chapter 12 on Act or React contrasted Saul's intimidated response to David's confidence (PG. 150-151). David consulted God and relied on Him (1Samuel 20-31). That's how he wasn't intimidated by giants or opposing opinions. Saul reacted to situations, but David acted on what God said (PG. 153). Boldness fueled by God breaks intimidation (PG. 154). God gives us a sound mind as it says in 1 Timothy 1:6-7. God is more powerful than anything we face. Choose to love God more than yourself and trust Him. God will give you a sound mind when you focus on Him. Isaiah 26:3 says He keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him.
I have let giants in my life intimidate me. People with louder voices or stronger personalities or opinions were stronger in their spirits than I was in God. But now I feel encouraged to depend on God for boldness to face my giants, stand firm, and wait to see what God will do.
Chapter 12 on Act or React contrasted Saul's intimidated response to David's confidence (PG. 150-151). David consulted God and relied on Him (1Samuel 20-31). That's how he wasn't intimidated by giants or opposing opinions. Saul reacted to situations, but David acted on what God said (PG. 153). Boldness fueled by God breaks intimidation (PG. 154). God gives us a sound mind as it says in 1 Timothy 1:6-7. God is more powerful than anything we face. Choose to love God more than yourself and trust Him. God will give you a sound mind when you focus on Him. Isaiah 26:3 says He keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him.
I have let giants in my life intimidate me. People with louder voices or stronger personalities or opinions were stronger in their spirits than I was in God. But now I feel encouraged to depend on God for boldness to face my giants, stand firm, and wait to see what God will do.
October 14, 2022
In this book, John Bevere writes about breaking the power of fear in one's own life and trusting God completely in all things. Fear causes distance between us and God. Fear prevents us from doing what God has planned for us. Bevere addresses different aspects of what fear can do in a believer's life if he or she gives in to fear. The command "fear not" is said to be stated 365 times in the Bible, once for each day, and there must be a reason for that. Fear destroys so much and especially in the service of God and the church, something John Bevere also brings out in his book. He gives us several examples from the Bible, but also from his own life and his ministry as a preacher.
A brief conclusion of the book could be that; The fear of man destroys, while the fear of God builds up and enables us to walk in triumph.
A good book on an important topic for today's christians. Some elements made me a bit sceptic to some of his writing, but that's probably because I don't consider myself charismatic and I don't have the same prejudice when I read than Bevere probably has when he writes. He also belongs to the more charismatic part of Christianity, which comes quite clear forth in some of what he writes. Still, I see him as one of the more sane charismatic preachers out there and this book is an important contribution to believers out there, whether they are charismatic or not.
A brief conclusion of the book could be that; The fear of man destroys, while the fear of God builds up and enables us to walk in triumph.
A good book on an important topic for today's christians. Some elements made me a bit sceptic to some of his writing, but that's probably because I don't consider myself charismatic and I don't have the same prejudice when I read than Bevere probably has when he writes. He also belongs to the more charismatic part of Christianity, which comes quite clear forth in some of what he writes. Still, I see him as one of the more sane charismatic preachers out there and this book is an important contribution to believers out there, whether they are charismatic or not.
April 28, 2022
Great book with so much to unpack. I read through it during a busy season in my life so I plan to read it again when I can slow down and really take it in.
An immediate take away for me is that I need to trust God more and stop fearing what others think or feel. Too often I'm silent, testing the waters for so long that I miss the opportunity to talk about Jesus.
I'm post-abortive and have lots of opportunities to talk to others about how Jesus saved me from the depression and shame from that decision. I often don't speak up for fear of the political upheaval such a topic can raise. I'm learning to find my voice and this book is a great reminder that God uses every detail of our lives, even the really painful ones, to show His mercy and love.
An immediate take away for me is that I need to trust God more and stop fearing what others think or feel. Too often I'm silent, testing the waters for so long that I miss the opportunity to talk about Jesus.
I'm post-abortive and have lots of opportunities to talk to others about how Jesus saved me from the depression and shame from that decision. I often don't speak up for fear of the political upheaval such a topic can raise. I'm learning to find my voice and this book is a great reminder that God uses every detail of our lives, even the really painful ones, to show His mercy and love.
March 23, 2022
Había estado viviendo en intimidación, temiendo más a la gente que a Dios.
Ahora se que es una batalla en la cual habrá victoria por medio del poder del Espíritu Santo, el amor de Dios y la virtud del dominio propio.
La experiencia de Bevere en este tema es impresionante, cada ejemplo y las historias que le tocaron vivir son increíbles. Me animan a no solo ser compasiva y misericordiosa, si no también exhortar y confrontar cuando algo no vaya alineado a los planes de Dios.
Gran tema, me ha sido muy útil.
Ahora se que es una batalla en la cual habrá victoria por medio del poder del Espíritu Santo, el amor de Dios y la virtud del dominio propio.
La experiencia de Bevere en este tema es impresionante, cada ejemplo y las historias que le tocaron vivir son increíbles. Me animan a no solo ser compasiva y misericordiosa, si no también exhortar y confrontar cuando algo no vaya alineado a los planes de Dios.
Gran tema, me ha sido muy útil.
June 10, 2018
A great topic worth confronting with scripture, but at times presented with poor theology and exegesis. At one point, page 73, he says, “The purpose of God was thwarted.” According to Job 42:2, No plan of His can be thwarted. The altercation between pages 189-192 could be considered as much John’s fault as it was the fault of the local elders. He makes much of the power of God, rightly so, but fails to acknowledge the wisdom of God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
No longer intimidated
Really wonderful book. Full of powerful truths. I thank God for allowing me to find and read it. The spirit of intimidation is a subtle adversary at times. But in the end, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” May we walk forward boldly as Christians who bear His light and at all times press on towards the goal of Christ. God bless.
Really wonderful book. Full of powerful truths. I thank God for allowing me to find and read it. The spirit of intimidation is a subtle adversary at times. But in the end, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” May we walk forward boldly as Christians who bear His light and at all times press on towards the goal of Christ. God bless.
October 26, 2017
A mindset shifting book about intimidation. John Bevere always has a way to navigate his point straight into your heart. Speaking from his own revelations from experience and life, this book is relatable to anyone. As with his other works, it breaks wrong mindsets and reasons for intimidation and deliberately draws you closer to God and His purpose for you.
February 5, 2019
For anyone involved in full time ministry this is an excellent book. If you’ve ever been intimidated by confrontation or lived through the atmosphere created by lack of confrontation, you’ll find correct advise here. It’s definitely written with a spirit filled, pentecostal style chirch in mind.
July 23, 2022
Read this a few months ago after the first two chapters on their free app resonated with me in my interactions with people. The book was so helpful in explaining intimidation and what it looks like it was inspiring to me in that season and brought me courage from the scripture to not succumb to intimidation.
November 6, 2023
Holy Spirit sent me this book at just the right time. I cannot express how much the practical applications and deep insight of this book blessed and challenged me in the area of fear and intimidation. I had no idea just how much I was allowing intimidation a voice in my life until I read this book. This is one I will revisit often and has marked me.
May 20, 2024
Powerful! Spiritual Self-Help!
This book was relatable on every level (every chapter). The author walks you through the major definitions and then how to apply them to yourself, your ministry and recognize the characteristics in others. It is all backed by scriptures and spiritual examples.
This book was relatable on every level (every chapter). The author walks you through the major definitions and then how to apply them to yourself, your ministry and recognize the characteristics in others. It is all backed by scriptures and spiritual examples.
July 8, 2018
Great read!
This book was a great read! I’ve struggle in this area and wasn’t truly aware of the struggle. This book forced me to face these fear in order to become stronger in my walk.
This book was a great read! I’ve struggle in this area and wasn’t truly aware of the struggle. This book forced me to face these fear in order to become stronger in my walk.
January 12, 2020
It's a very well written book, full of spiritual insights that help us to draw near to God by breaking the chains of any sort of intimidation. If God is with us, then who can stand against us? Romans 8:31
August 12, 2020
Great Book
This book is solid Word of God based and encouraging as Infind all of John Bevere’s books. I will refer back to this book as needed and most definitely I will recommend it!!
This book is solid Word of God based and encouraging as Infind all of John Bevere’s books. I will refer back to this book as needed and most definitely I will recommend it!!
March 30, 2021
Another book that exposes what am I intimidating of that I have never known for years. The very good thing about the author John Bevere is he is very passionate wherein he shared his experiences on very detailed way and well-explained. He really connects everything on the book.
September 8, 2023
Fallas en traducción y redacción
El libro en si es muuuuy bueno. Pero la versión en español viene con muchas fallas de traducción y redacción. Sería una excelente idea hacer una revisión.
El libro en si es muuuuy bueno. Pero la versión en español viene con muchas fallas de traducción y redacción. Sería una excelente idea hacer una revisión.
July 1, 2024
It's such a great book on facing your fears and breaking the chain of intimidation. I was inspired by the story of Nehemiah, who stood his ground when he faced so many challenges, including the fear of men. It's a good book to help you overcome people pleasing traits.
February 15, 2025
I am a big fan of John Bevere's books - but this one just didn't resonate a ton with me. I don't think it is BAD, but I just don't think I'm the target audience.
I'd recommend others of his WAY before this one.
I'd recommend others of his WAY before this one.
September 22, 2025
encouraging and direct
Speaks to both man’s difficulty with intimidation as well as spiritual warfare. Continues to bring the focus back on the relationship with God to assist with managing intimidation.
Speaks to both man’s difficulty with intimidation as well as spiritual warfare. Continues to bring the focus back on the relationship with God to assist with managing intimidation.
December 18, 2017
Absolutely brilliant.
March 21, 2020
Always an eye opener when you read Bevere books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews