Isaiah 31:1 “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!”

 

“Take shelter! Strong and potentially dangerous storms with possible hail damage have been issued for the following counties ...”

The alert sounded over the radio the other day while I was driving to a nearby mall. I was now in a dilemma. Should I turn around and go home or continue my shopping trip and hope I could find appropriate cover if the storm actually did hit?

 

These kinds of weather occurrences regularly arise in our area, and it behooves all of us to recognize the signs and to be familiar with the best safety procedures for the warning issued.

Can you imagine if during a thunderstorm warning everyone took cover under the nearest tree? This action would be foolish and very likely deadly! When faced with imminent disaster it is important to seek the right kind of shelter and protection. God’s people were in danger. Over and over they had disobeyed His commands and disregarded the warnings of the prophets.

These wayward people were soon to suffer the consequences of their unwise decisions. A cruel enemy army was threatening their existence and they were in a quandary as to what to do.

Where could they seek shelter from the strong troops who stamped their boots on the threshold of their cities?

Despite their history of God’s protection and provision, these rebels rejected the Lord and turned to the foreign nation of Egypt for help against the enemy. The prophet Isaiah warned against this foolish decision, but to no avail.

Like hiding under a tall tree in a thunderstorm, God’s people put their trust in an ungodly country, and in so doing they brought even more disaster upon themselves.

I am afraid we are no different. When difficulties arise we often choose help and protection that sounds logical to us. We run to friends or family, but how often do we seek help from the Lord as our first resort? In prayer we can ask for wisdom, protection and justice. He hears us, and is the perfect shelter in every storm.

God’s nation ignored His warnings, but there is a chance for us. Maybe the next time a life storm is brewing we should reconsider hiding under the tallest tree.

Instead why not do the wise thing – look first to the Holy One of Israel and seek the Lord. His hands are the safest place to be.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com