Isaiah 31:1

 

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!

 

From Abraham’s time until that of Isaiah’s, the people of Israel had often looked to Egypt when they should have been looking to God. Israel’s infatuation to “go down to Egypt for help” had never worked out well for them and had even led to their previous enslavement. So God warned them through the prophet Isaiah not to look to Egypt’s chariots to rescue them from the raiding Assyrians. But to look to the “Holy One of Israel” instead.

 

Trusting Egypt for help might be seen as a metaphor for trusting the world and human strength when we should be looking to the “Holy One” for help. Who is this “Holy One?” He is Jesus Christ!

 

What trouble or need are you facing today? Are you in the habit of looking to Egypt for help? Have you forgotten what it cost you and how little help you actually found there before? Hear the word of the Lord. Look to Christ for help.

 

Prayer Points

 

1.  Father, help us to turn away from ‘Egypt’ and look to You alone. Teach us to fully trust in Your power, knowing that You are faithful and mighty

 

2. Father, give us the wisdom to seek Your will in all circumstances. When we are tempted to run to the world for help, remind us to pause and seek Your guidance. 

 

3. Father God, set us free from the chains of self-reliance and pride, and teach us to rest in Your strength, knowing that true freedom is found in complete dependence on You.

 

4. Father, give us the strength to wait on You, even when it feels like solutions are delayed or unclear.  Give us patience and faith to wait for Your divine intervention