True Reliance

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By Wulan Grace, Indonesia

Earlier this year, the Lord reminded me to seek Him and rely on Him in all things. I was shown these verses during my quiet time:

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!
And yet he is wise and brings disaster;
he does not call back his words,
but will arise against the house of the evildoers
and against the helpers of those who work iniquity.
The Egyptians are man, and not God,
and their horses are flesh, and not spirit.
When the LORD stretches out his hand,
the helper will stumble, and he who is helped will fall,
and they will all perish together.
(Isaiah 31:1-3 niv)

Very often, when we see a child traveling in luxury car, escorted by bodyguards, decked in designer wear; we automatically assume that he is happy and fortunate. We assume that he lacks nothing, because if he should need something, all he needs to do is to swipe his credit card. We assume that he feels secure with his bodyguards protecting him. We assume that he does not need to worry about his future because he will inherit his parents’ wealth. Wow, it feels surreal, doesn’t it?

Frankly, there is nothing wrong with being born into a wealthy family. God did not forbid his children to prosper in material things. In fact, with abundant wealth, we can be used by God to be channels of blessing to others. The danger comes when we start placing our confidence in wealth rather than in God.

God is not pleased when His children rely on what we have more than on Him. Do we rely more on our boyfriend, friends, possessions, parents, bosses, intelligence, social status, or physical condition? Our Father in heaven wants each one of us to rely solely on Him—the God who rules the universe.

There are many young Christians who do not truly believe that God the Father in heaven has power over our lives, and that He faithfully maintains and provides for us. Look to the cross for the convincing proof of His love. Even His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to sacrifice Himself to die on the cross to save mankind from eternal damnation. Whoever believes and accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Savior will have everlasting life and communion with God. How awesome is His love!

If we rely on and hope in something that is valuable according to this world, then we will eventually see that our hope is in vain because we rely on something that is temporal. It is important for us to know that the promises of this world do not hold water; the only promise that is everlasting is from God.

For He has said in Isaiah 41: 10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

In the Lord Jesus Christ, there is new strength, true hope and help. Who is like Him whose might and glory are above the earth; who helps and restores our lives, even saving us from the bondage of sin? Rely on Him.