Appalachian Ministry Network

Who or what are we trusting? Where have we placed our faith and confidence? The challenges faced as we labor to do God's work are enormous. Economic and financial difficulties press upon us. Our families are under attack by the forces of Satan and the culture surrounding us. There is always more to be done than any of us could possibly accomplish—so many needs, so little time. The successes of others make us feel inferior even though we are doing the best we can in the place we are with the tools we have. And on and on it goes.

If we aren't careful, we can yield to the temptation to seek immediate aid and comfort from people or things that are so conveniently close by or place our faith in the latest strategy/principle being touted by the experts of the moment. Please don't misinterpret my remarks here. There is much to learn from others and there is nothing wrong with being knowledgeable of what they are doing and what is working for them. However, those sources and observations must not and should not be our starting place when responding to challenges such as those I mentioned.

Twice in the book of Isaiah, God warns His people about the folly of placing their trust in the chariots and horses of Egypt (31:1; 36:9). As do we in times of difficulty and trouble, the Israelites found themselves looking around for immediate aid and relief. They did so because the Egyptians were many and they were very strong (31:1). Some would say this was a strategic alliance, but God thought differently and said so. He rebuked his people because “they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” The real indictment against the children of Israel was not so much that they sought help from Egypt, but that they did so without even looking to the One that loved and cared for them most and who was most able—and willing!—to give them the help they needed.

So again I ask the question, Who or what are we trusting? Are we looking everywhere and to everyone but the One who has promised to never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5)? The One who has promised to supply all our needs (Phil. 4:19)? The One who has guaranteed everything needed for life—and ministry—if we put Him and His righteousness at the top of our go-to list (Matt. 6:33)? Whatever we're facing, let's not look to Egypt first. LET'S TRUST GOD!