“Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin.” (Isaiah 30:1)
When life feels uncertain, our instinct is to take control, make plans, form alliances, and craft solutions that seem right in our own eyes. The people of Judah did the same. Faced with political instability and fear of invasion, they turned to Egypt for protection instead of turning to God for counsel.
Isaiah confronted them with this piercing truth: “You carry out plans that are not Mine.”
That warning still speaks to us today. In seasons of uncertainty, when finances tighten, relationships strain, or the future feels clouded, we often act first and pray later. We seek human counsel, security, or logic before we seek the Counselor, Jesus Himself.
Yet in the very same chapter, God reveals His heart of grace “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...” (Isaiah 30:15)
And that’s where our hope of uncertainty begins - not in perfect plans, but in a perfect Counselor who knows the way when we don’t. Reflect today on these 2 questions
- Where have you been tempted to “carry out plans not His”?
- What would it look like today to pause and seek Jesus’ counsel before taking another step?
Prayer Prompt: Lord Jesus, you are my Wonderful Counselor. In times of uncertainty, silence my fears and teach me to listen for Your voice. Forgive me when I run ahead with my own plans. Cover me with Your peace and lead me by Your Spirit. My hope is not in my strategy but in Your steady hand. Amen.
Song of the Day: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less - Sovereign Grace Music
