In some battles, we prefer to stand by and simply offer prayer. In others, especially when it concerns our children or those of someone else, we love deeply, praying and waiting as we watch the battle unfold before us. This is a different matter than the first.

Here are 5 reasons we enter into a battle that is often not ours to control:

1. Our fear of what we see happening prompts us to work out a solution.

2. Anger can move us into action.

3. We are in a hurry and lack the patience to see a battle resolve in a way that does not involve our meddling.

4. Pride can lead us to intervene inappropriately and without instruction.

5. Assumption can lead us. Sometimes we can see that there is only a single solution and we in our wisdom know exactly what it is.

What are the consequences of our intervening for any of the above reasons in a battle that belongs to God?

1. We can cause confusion.

2. We can bring harm.

3. We can destroy or damage a relationship.

4. We can divert a person’s attention from God because, at the end of the day, he or she has us.

5. We walk out of sync with God.

What should we do?

It is hard to stand by and do nothing. God does give us some pretty clear instructions. Movement, however, should not precede waiting on Him. He is consistent in the way He leads His people. Consider these verses.

Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and AFTER you have done everything to stand.”

We are called to stand, simply to stand our ground. Let what movement you make flow out His instruction and having waited on Him.

Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”

God does not always expect us to stay silent and do nothing, but He does want us to look to Him for instructions. He sees what we do not. Remember, God is not panicked. He cares and invites us to ask Him. He is not always quick to respond, though sometimes He is! Sometimes, we have to calm ourselves down and wait, trusting Him to work out in the unseen world that He is doing what He chooses to do.

Clearly, there are times we simply act. When a life is in danger and a car is coming, we don’t wait on God or take a video! We utter a quick prayer of “help God!” and we do what we are required to do in the moment.

Wisdom needs to be applied and that wisdom comes from the God who is all wise.