Other Ways Don't Math

Scripture:
Doom to those who go off to Egypt
thinking that horses can help them,
Impressed by military mathematics,
awed by sheer numbers of chariots and riders—
And to The Holy of Israel, not even a glance,
not so much as a prayer to God.
Isaiah 31:1

Observation: The prophet Isaiah gives very clear instructions about how Judah is to overcome Assyria ... by returning to and trusting in the Lord. However, there are some who instead look to Egypt for help. Such people believe that conflict is won through military might. They believe that all they need is more soldiers than Assyria and safety is assured. As a result, they ignore God and never once turn to him in prayer for assistance.

It cannot be any clearer that this plan will not work. The military math is meaningless. It is the Lord who is all powerful and who holds the ability to protect Judah. Egypt ... not so much.

Application: There was a time in life when I had a bit of this mindset, thinking that I can be secure if I have the financial protection I need to weather the storms of life-events. This simply is not true. All protection in life - all security in every life situation - comes from the Lord. It is only by faith that I can receive true protection ... mental and physical, from any and all sources of attack.

When Judah looked to the Lord, he destroyed the Assyrian army without even a battle occurring. It was truly amazing. How much more can he simply take care of my personal, normal, everyday 'stuff'? Relying on any earthly measure just doesn't work. It don't math. Relying on the Lord can never fail.

Prayer: Lord, I do rely upon you. My faith is in you alone. Yes, we live in a difficult place, and there are harder times ahead. I know this for certain. Yet I will not seek any earthly protection or sanctuary. I will not rely on any earthly means for protection or comfort. Instead, I will look to you, pray to you. Amen.