Explicit Issue with Self-Reliance

Scripture:
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.”
You say, “No!
We will escape on horses”—
therefore you will escape!—
and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
but those who pursue you will be faster.
Isaiah 30:15-16

Observation: Isaiah warns Israel about how to avoid impending hardship and destruction. The principle message is to rely upon the Lord, and not turn to Egypt for help. We know Israel will not heed this warning. Instead of "returning and resting" - remaining in the Lord's safe hands and relying on his protection - they will define their own method for resistance. The example of escaping on horses breaks down as follows:

-- Israel will choose their own method of action.

-- It will (apparently) work at first!

-- However, in the end it fails because it wasn't a plan of sufficient execution.

This is the pattern for all human endeavors. We create a plan for our life, our family, our career; We put that plan in motion and it seems to be succeeding; However, the plan falls apart because it actually was never the best plan for our life.

Application: This has been a very hard lesson for me to learn ... that any idea of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, especially in the area of my professional life, is not just worthless but even harmful.

I spent years directionless in my life, and the Lord guided me without me even knowing it into a wonderful life filled with love and joy. Then I tried to direct my career, and found a pit of hostility and failure and depression. I chose to ride on fast horses, but learned the enemy was faster, and he was in fact in pursuit.

This is the issue with self-reliance ... it is ALWAYS inferior to God's plan. At best, self-reliance leads to a lesser 'good' outcome, and most likely results in failure. How I wish I could find, know, and grow within the Lord's plan for the rest of my life.

Prayer: Lord, there are many future plans seemingly intertwined in our near-term lives right now. These include house purchases, finances, and work changes. I place these entirely at your feet. These decisions are not ours to make. Instead, I only ask for your direction about what, where, and when we should be acting. May thy will be done, for I know your will is the best for my life. Amen.