When Power Struggles Hit Hard

There’s no getting around it. When power struggles hit in work or ministry, the best thing we can do is choose God’s side from the start. Whether it’s over decisions, direction, or influence, conflict happens. And when it does, there’s often a strong pull to win people over to “our side.” It’s easy to feel that pull. And if we’re not careful, it’s easy to give in to it.

Through several situations in my life and ministry, I’ve learned the hard way that the best move is always to choose God’s side.

When You Try to Take Control Instead of Choosing God’s Side

In those moments when tensions rise, the temptation to manipulate can be strong. We start justifying our behaviour. We push our preferences, twist a few truths, or ignore warning signs. Suddenly, we’re doing what we think is best rather than what God has called us to do.

That’s what struck me as I was reading through 1 Kings 12. There’s a power struggle between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. But in the middle of it, God gives a clear directive to Rehoboam:

“You shall not go up or fight against your relatives the people of Israel. Every man return to his home, for this thing is from me.” (1 Kings 12:24, ESV)
Read full chapter

Rehoboam obeys. He doesn’t rally his army. He listens. He chooses God’s side.

When You’re Scared of Losing Control

Jeroboam does the opposite. Out of fear, he spirals. He believes the people will turn against him if they continue to worship in Jerusalem, so he builds his own religion.

“So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, ‘You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’” (1 Kings 12:28, ESV)

From there, it only gets worse. He builds shrines, appoints false priests, and creates festivals that mimic godly worship, but without God. And by chapter 13, it’s clear where this is headed:

“And this thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, so as to cut it off and to destroy it from the face of the earth.” (1 Kings 13:34, ESV)
Read full chapter

When You’re Wrestling with Integrity

It’s easy for us to read Jeroboam’s story and shake our heads. But the truth is, we’ve all made similar mistakes. Not golden calves and false altars, of course, but it’s common to make decisions out of fear, trying to control the outcome.

For leaders, we’ve had moments where we’ve led without praying first, or we’ve acted without integrity. That’s when we’ve felt the Holy Spirit nudge us: This isn’t my way. Choose my side.

When It’s Time to Choose God’s Side and Recenter

If you’re facing a conflict right now, whether in ministry, work, or relationships, take a moment. Ask yourself: Have I chosen sides? Have I tried to manipulate the outcome? Am I acting in alignment with God’s Word or out of fear?

I know I’ve had to stop, repent, and realign more times than I can count. The good news is, it’s never too late to choose God’s side.

So if the battle lines have been drawn, maybe it’s time to bring unity instead. Pray through who you need to talk to. Make that call. Ask God for the strength to lead with authenticity and humility. Because no matter how tense things feel, His way is always better.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Have you ever been tempted to control a conflict instead of trusting God? What happened?
• How do you recognize when you’ve stepped off God’s path in leadership?
• What helps you realign and choose God’s side when the pressure’s on?