Don't Go Down to Egypt

Isaiah 31:1, 3, 5b, NIV

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.

…

But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together.

…

the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

More than once in the Bible, God led His people to Egypt for the sake of safety and provision. But, what was commanded by God in one season was condemned by God in another.

What/who/where God utilizes as provision in one season, can become a crutch in another season.

When we find ourselves in an “impossible” situation, just as Judah was in this passage, it is sometimes so difficult not to go where we’ve gone before—and not to put our trust in something that feels like safety, but is counterfeit security. 

Anything on earth in which we place our security—even a former place of protection and provision—is only a counterfeit. 

So, if you find yourself in an “impossible” situation today, then fight the fleshly urge to hang onto the hand of a counterfeit provision. 

And be encouraged, the Lord Himself will shield you, deliver you, and rescue you! 

Just don’t go down to Egypt.