FATHER KNOWS BEST

“‘Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the Lord, who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin; who proceed down to Egypt without consulting Me, to take refuge in the safety of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!’ Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, ‘Since you have rejected this word and have put your trust in oppression and guile, and have relied on them, therefore this iniquity will be to you like a breach about to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant, whose collapse is like the smashing of a potter’s jar, so ruthlessly shattered that a sherd will not be found among its pieces to take fire from a hearth or to scoop water from a cistern,’ For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.’” But you were not willing,” (Isaiah 30:1-2, 12-15, NASB).

We all want the Father’s best for our life, but sometimes we get in His way. That was certainly the case with Israel. Isaiah begins chapter 30: “‘Woe to the rebellious children,’ declares the Lord, ‘who execute a plan, but not Mine,’” (Isaiah 30:1, NASB).

Instead of trusting in God’s promises and power, Israel focused on the threat of an enemy attack. They decided the safest approach was to rely on Egypt’s help even though God told them the solution was to repent and trust in Him. By substituting their plan for the Lord’s, they missed His best for the nation and suffered as a result.

When we have a decision to make, do we focus on God and His Word or on the problem we’re facing? Are we quick to accept other people’s advice before seeking guidance in the Scriptures? Although our plan may seem like the most promising option, if we have left God out, it’s very possible we’ve become an obstacle to what He desires for us.

When we are tempted to take matters into our own hands, remember the Lord’s guidance: “‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength,’” (Isaiah 30:15, NASB). When we follow Him, He’ll guide us to the optimal path for our life.

Jeff